Addict left blood at crime scene

0 Comments | South Wales Evening Post, Nov 9, 2007

Blood found at the scene of a burglary led to the arrest of a 24- year-old city man, a court has heard.

He had targeted a furniture outlet on the Enterprise Park, intending to steal computer equipment, but after an untidy search of the premises had left empty-handed.

Jamie Jones, of Trallwn Road, Trallwn, appeared before the court to admit burglary and breach of a community order.

The break-in at Bennett’s Discount Furniture, in Samlet Road, was discovered on July 6 by the shop manager, David Wheel.

A metal shutter covering the front door of the store had been forced upwards and the glass in the door had been smashed, prosecutor Linda Baker told Swansea magistrates.

The sales desk in the shop was in disarray and a number of locked drawers had been forced open.

Police forensic officers discovered blood on the desk and analysis of the samples led to a DNA match being made with Jones.

He was arrested on October 13 and subsequently pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal.

Jones, who is a heroin addict, told police he had broken in, in company with another person, using a screwdriver.

He said he had intended stealing any computer equipment he might find and selling it to raise cash.

He said his benefits had been cut and he was short of money at the time.

However, he and his accomplice – who he refused to name – had fled the store empty-handed.

Jones was made subject to a one-year community order with a supervision requirement.

He will also have to undertake a drugs rehabilitation programme for nine months.