A burglar who fled the scene of a crime after hiding in the attic and leaving behind a blood-stained towel has been jailed.

Kye Shipman-O’Connor admitted burglary with intent to steal when he appeared before Canterbury Crown Court yesterday.

He broke into a property in Queens Gardens in Broadstairs on Wednesday, April 24.

He was disturbed when the resident of the property returned home. Shipman-O’Connor then hid in the attic.

The victim heard noises above her and went upstairs to find the loft hatch and a nearby window was open and roof tiles had been damaged.

The damage caused to the property was estimated as more than £1,800.

Nothing had been stolen but a suitcase filled with snatched items was found in the bathroom, along with a towel covered in blood.

Tests on the towel placed 20-year-old Shipman-O’Connor at the scene of the burglary.

"This is a shining example of how burglars think they can steal from others without a care for the victims affected" - Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson

Senior investigating officer Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson said: "This is a shining example of how burglars think they can steal from others without a care for the victims affected, and assume they can hide from justice, whether it’s in a loft or on a train.

"Our message to burglars is clear: We will find you - wherever you hide - and bring you before the courts to answer justice."

Shipman-O’Connor, of The Hoystings Close in Canterbury, also admitted handling stolen goods after he was seen on a train on April 8, carrying a holdall bag which had been stolen the same day from a property in Whitehall Gardens in Canterbury.

He was jailed for three years and the court heard he was already out on licence for similar offences when he committed the crimes.

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