A HAPLESS burglar who left his blood and fingerprints behind as he raided more than a dozen homes across Sunderland is now behind bars.

A judge at Newcastle Crown Court told Wayne Robinson, 30, he had caused widespread misery and inconvenience, as he jailed him for five years.

Robinson’s crime spree saw him steal sentimental jewellery and electrical items as he burgled a number of homes during a six-week frenzy.

But after inadvertently leaving behind a trail of clues at his various crimes, including blood-stained boxer shorts and smeared fingerprints, Robinson was identified as the likely offender.

In July, Robinson, of Lambton Tower, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to four burglaries as well as charges of attempted burglary, theft and criminal damage. He also asked for 10 similar burglary offences to be taken into consideration.

Detective Constable Neil Swainston, of Northumbria Police, said: “Wayne Robinson is a prolific burglar who targeted a number of vulnerable people across Sunderland and stole their treasured possessions.

“His offending was frequent and widespread, but largely unsophisticated as he continued to leave blood and fingerprints at each of the properties he raided.

“This case is another example of how advancements in forensic analysis are helping us to bring criminals to justice. The tiniest trace of blood, saliva, bodily fluid or fingerprint can now be detected and used as evidence to prove an offender’s guilt.

With the weight of evidence against him overwhelming, Robinson pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary along with charges of attempted burglary, theft and criminal damage during a Newcastle Crown Court hearing on July 10.

He also asked for ten further burglary offences to be taken into consideration upon sentencing.

On Friday, a judge jailed Robinson for five years.