A burglar who left a trail of blood throughout an elderly woman’s flat while stealing sentimental jewellery has been jailed.

In August 2021 Michael Richardson, from Bromley, forced entry to the victim’s home in Oxted, Surrey, by breaking a glass panel in the front door.

He was unaware that he cut himself while doing so, which created trails of blood throughout the flat and into the victim’s bedroom.

Richardson stole engagement rings, a wedding ring, an eternity ring, and a necklace – all of which were given to the 92-year-old victim by her late husband.

Forensic teams were able to obtain a full DNA match using the blood and he was later arrested for burglary.

Richardson pleaded guilty to burglary at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday, February 12.

He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison and ordered to pay £190 in costs.

"Michael Richardson is a dangerous individual driven by greed...”

Investigating officer PC Joseph Brown said “Michael Richardson is a dangerous individual driven by greed.

“The victim in this burglary was fortunate not to have been inside when Richardson had gone to extreme measures to break into her home, and I can’t begin to think how she must have felt when she returned.

“Richardson not only took sentimental and irreplaceable items of jewellery belonging to the victim’s late husband, he also robbed her of her sense of safety and security in her own home.

“The sentence given to Richardson is a reminder that burglary will not go unpunished in Surrey, and no matter how long you think you can stay undetected, we will relentlessly pursue you.”