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Ben Laker caught after Folkestone burglar left blood behind at Old High Street shop
11:40, 13 April 2017
A burglar has been jailed after leaving behind blood when he smashed a window and raided a shop.
Detectives were able to identify homeless Ben Laker with DNA evidence from blood left behind at the scene in the Old High Street, Folkestone.
Laker, 24, has now been jailed for nearly two years after pleading guilty to burglary and six shoplifting offences.
A shop in the Old High Street - in the town's Creative Quarter - was burgled on December 1, 2016.
Laker smashed a hole in the window and stole items of jewellery.
Forensic officers found blood on the inside of the window which they matched with Laker's DNA. He was arrested on January 30.
The shoplifting offences happened in Folkestone between January 4 and January 27 which Laker also admitted to.
He also pleaded guilty to breaching a suspended sentence twice for other thefts.
He was sentenced to 630 days in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on March 31.
Investigating officer Det Con Jacqui Mennie said: "Laker acted without any respect for his victims and showed no remorse.
"I am pleased he has received time in prison where he can no longer pose a threat to the public."