A burglar who smashed his way into a Sheppey home and stole £15,000 of jewellery left behind a vital clue - his blood.

Police were able to match it with repeat offender Darren Rogers’ DNA and he was soon arrested.

He also used the bank card of a 90-year-old woman which was stolen in another burglary.

Now, the 37-year-old drug addict, of Sunset Terrace, First Avenue, Rushenden, has been jailed for just under three years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Rogers broke into a house in Minster Road, Minster, on July 22 while the family were at home.

His blood was found on glass he had smashed to gain entry. As well as taking the haul of jewellery he also made off with £3,000 cash.

About two months earlier Valerie Peyman, now 91, was burgled at her home in Whitstable.

Rogers, who has previous convictions for burglary, used her stolen bank card within 40 minutes of the break-in. He obtained more than £500 with it.

But his guilty plea to handling stolen goods was accepted. He also admitted burglary and possessing cannabis.

John Fitzgerald, defending, said Rogers was homeless, jobless and penniless and “hugely regretted” offending again. His life went off the rails and he returned to drugs.

Mr Fitzgerald said Rogers did not know Mrs Peyman’s age and was appalled when he found out.

His drug addiction was being treated in custody. He was on a methadone prescription, which he was reducing.

Recorder Mark van der Zwart said Rogers had been committing offences for the past 20 years. Some community orders he had received were designed to help beat his drug use.

“Drugs are no excuse for what you did,” he said.