A CUT finger trapped a Darwen man who burgled a house close to his home.

Gary Hasson hurt himself during the raid - and DNA testing carried out on blood at the scene showed he was responsible.

The 33-year-old, of Duxbury Street, Darwen, appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court. He had earlier pleaded guilty to burgling a home on nearby Devon Street in January.

Gordon Hennell, prosecuting, said the female occupant was away for several days at the time. Entry had been gained via a wooden panel on the back door.

Almost £950 worth of property in total was taken.

Pyjamas belonging to the woman's young son were in the lounge and blood was found on them.

DNA testing was carried out on the blood and the defendant was arrested. Three compact discs were recovered from his home.

In police interview, Hasson said he had noticed that the back door had been smashed. He went in for a look and stole three CDs. During the burglary he cut his finger and that was how blood came to be on the pyjamas.

The offence put him in breach of an 18 months probation order.

Daniel King, defending, said Hasson had responded positively to probation. He had kept appointments, responded to counselling and to suggestions put to him.

At the time the house was unoccupied for the weekend. The door was open and he carried out an opportunist offence.

Mr King told the court: "He co-operated fully with the police. He admitted his involvement and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

"He has seen the woman since. She bears him no animosity. In fact, he has formally apologised to her. He tells me she has forgiven him."

Recorder Andrew Edis QC, jailed Hasson for four months. He said the offence, though mitigated, was so serious that only custody could be given.

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