A HEROIN addict who stole a valuable motorbike from a shed had no memory of the crime, a court heard.

But Thomas Copping was linked to the offence by a drop of blood found at the scene, in the shed alongside a house in Bishop Auckland.

Durham Crown Court heard the Enfield motorcycle, worth £4,600, was left securely chained to the shed floor by its pensioner owner, late on January 6.

He was awoken at 3am by police, who told him the damaged motorbike had been found in a nearby street.

Paul Rooney, prosecuting, said the shed had been forced open and both the chain and lock were missing.

Examination of the blood at the scene, led to Copping’s arrest. While he claimed he could not recall committing the crime, he accepted responsibility, due to the blood match, apologised and offered to pay compensation.

Copping, 30, of Hawthorn Road, Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, who has 35 convictions for 53 offences, admitted burglary.

Lorraine Mustard, mitigating, said while in custody he has made great strides to overcome his addiction.

Imposing an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Judge Christopher Prince made Copping subject of a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement, with monthly reviews.

But he was also ordered to pay £587 compensation over the course of the sentence.