Forensic information belonging to Christopher Raymond, 56, of no fixed address, helped to link him to the crime.

Raymond has today received a nine month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

He pleaded guilty to burglary at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 1.

As part of his sentence Raymond has been ordered to complete a six month drug rehabilitation requirement and 40 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also given a five-year restraining order and has been ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £8,996 and court costs of £320.

Raymond entered a property in Colchester Road on December 4 while the victim was away at work.

He took jewellery worth a four-figure sum, a hoover, a car key and a Christmas cake.

The victim discovered that she had been burgled and found blood on her stairway before calling the police.

Essex Police were able to link the blood found to Raymond who was arrested in Church Street in Bocking on December 17 and charged.

Investigating officer Pc Joanna Lewis, of Braintree CID, said: “Raymond forced entry to the property knowing it was empty but injured himself in the process.

“The victim on discovery that she had been burgled discovered Raymond’s blood at the scene. It was only a matter of weeks until he was located and arrested.

“I would like to thank the victim for their support during this investigation. I hope today’s verdict offers her some justice to her.”