A BURGLAR bled all over the house after smashing a window to gain entry.

Blackburn magistrates heard John Francis Marston had originally entered the unoccupied property to get his head down but ended up stealing property.

Marston, 40, of Canterbury Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at a house on Blackburn Road, Darwen, and theft of two gaming consoles. He was jailed for 12 months and ordered to pay £1,000 compensation on release.

The chairman of the magistrates said it was a serious offence which had a serious impact on the victim.

Sameena Chaudhry, prosecuting, said the woman who rented the property had not been at the house the night before but turned up at 10.30 am to check the heating.

"She heard a noise coming from the kitchen and went to investigate," said Miss Chaudhry. "A brick had been thrown through the window and had hit the cooker. There was blood all over the kitchen and on the carpet in the living room. There was more blood on the landing and in the bedroom."

The victim said it was clear the burglar had gone through her things and had left her scared to stay in her own home.

Peter King, defending, said his client had been living at the Canterbury Street hostel for three months and staff had expressed concerns about his drinking.

"He had been told he would not be allowed in if he turned up in an intoxicated state which is what happened on this night," said Mr King. "He was walking the streets and all he intended to do when he entered this property was get his head down. There was a to let sign outside and the property was clearly not occupied."