A BURGLAR who left his DNA behind in two houses near Selby has been sentenced to almost three years jail.

Christopher Wilson, of Greenfield Drive in Barlby, was at York Crown Court on Monday.

York Press:

He had earlier pleaded guilty to breaking in to two houses in December last year.

The court heard that Wilson, 44, broke in to one house in the village of Hillam near Selby on December 11, and another in Riccall just three days later.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hancock told the court that in the first house, Wilson left a small torch behind in a bedroom on which police found his DNA; and in the second house he left a hand-rolled cigarette on the floor.

In Hillam Wilson smashed a rear window when the owner was out, and when the alarm went off, he went upstairs and searched all the bedrooms before stealing a handbag, Miss Hancock said.

Three days later he smashed a glazed kitchen door to get in to another house in Riccall.

He left the contents of two jewellery boxes strewn around and stole a sapphire and diamond ring worth £200, as well as Christmas presents worth another £35.

Sentencing him, Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said Wilson had targeted the homes and taken jewellery which was of great sentimental value and “really meanly, Christmas presents from under the tree.”

He said: “You have pleaded guilty to two offences - I should really say two more offences - of dwelling house burglaries.

“This is the 14th and 15th time you have been convicted.”

Stress and upset had caused Wilson to lapse more into drug use, which had led to debt and then to the crime of burglary, the judge added.

In mitigation defence lawyer Alex Menary said Wilson had previously been making good progress in turning his life around.

The judge handed Wilson a 32 month jail sentence, with half to be served in custody and half on licence, and said this in the future he hoped Wilson would be able to stay off drugs and out of other people’s homes.