A bungling burglar who left a wrench at a crime scene has been jailed for two years and ten months.

Prolific burglar Solomon Olveridge, 42, of Yeldham Road, Ridgewell, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday, and was sentenced the same day.

At around 5.20pm on Sunday, October 29, a man returned home in Harwich Road to find his property had been broken into.

Loveridge climbed through a bathroom window, carried out a messy search inside and left with jewellery, a games console an iPhone and an iPad.

Essex Police sent forensic officers to the scene and found a small patch of blood on a window, which was then matched to suspect Loveridge.

He was arrested on Sunday, November 26, after his image was released on social media as a wanted person.

Investigating officer Dc Mark Peacock, of Colchester CID, said: “Loveridge went out armed with wrench and broke into the victim’s home while he was working.

“He then emptied the contents of drawers and wardrobes, leaving the property in a mess before taking valuable electrical items.

“Loveridge left his DNA and the wrench at the scene and after a manhunt. He was then arrested, put before a court and has been locked in a prison cell.”

Loveridge was sentenced to two years and ten months in jail for the offence.