A BURGLAR was caught out by a half-eaten chocolate biscuit.

Blackburn magistrates heard Leon Patrick Felton had taken a bite out of the biscuit before leaving it on a table.

And scenes of crime investigators were able to get DNA from the snack which provided a hit for Felton.

Felton, 34, who is currently in prison, pleaded guilty to burglary at Fielden Factors and theft of a cash till, rucksack, coffee, bottle of whiskey, satnav system and tools of a value unknown, and burglary at Arietta Music and theft of a bank card, till, laptop and printer.

He was jailed for eight months after the court heard he was already serving a 32 month sentence for two dwelling house burglaries.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said two men were seen to enter the secure compound at Fielden Factors builders merchants in Waterfoot and during the burglary £6,800 worth of damage was caused to alarms, windows and fittings.

“In the course of the burglary they helped themselves to chocolate biscuits,” said Mrs Geldard.

“Saliva was found on a half-eaten biscuit which led to DNA identification.” Footwear evidence was used to identify Felton as being responsible for the burglary at the music school.

Mark Williams, defending, said Felton was jailed for 32 months in November when the evidence for the two commercial burglaries had not been processed.

Mr Williams said that all the offences were committed on the same weekend and it was unlikely these offences would have increased the penalty imposed at the Crown Court.