A TEENAGER who broke into a Blackburn community centre was caught after DNA tests were carried out on drops of blood found on a kitchen worktop.

Blackburn magistrates were told that DNA information is unique to one person in a billion, according to forensic scientists.

But police also managed to match Neil Anthony Robinson's fingerprints to some found near a broken window.

Robinson, 18, of Green Lane, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at the Green Lane Community Centre. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months and ordered to pay £200 compensation.

Julie Reilly, prosecuting, said a CD player, CDs, alcohol and a telescope had been among the items stolen.

A rear window had been smashed and the contents of drawers strewn around the centre.

The committee member who discovered the break-in also discovered a few spots of blood in the kitchen.

Ian Huggan, defending, said Robinson was a young man who had not been in the courts very often.

"His family is ashamed and upset at what he has done and so is he," said Mr Huggan.

"It would appear that binge drinking is a problem and he would welcome referral to one of the probation service programmes that may help him address this problem."