Express & Star

'Sock' burglar jailed for crime spree

A serial burglar who took more than £5,000 from a house in Oldbury was tracked down by police - after leaving a sock behind.

Published

Wayne Porter forced open glass panel to get into the house in Florence Road before making off with the haul.

Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday was told it had included a £2,500 watch which had been of 'great sentimental value'.

The court heard Porter, 29, of Hagley Road, Birmingham, had used the sock to cover his hands while he searched the semi-detached house.

Police were able to use the DNA on the sock to identify him as the culprit.

Porter also broke into a house on The Broadway in Dudley where he took a £250 TV and raided another property in Marine Close, Wordsley .

He made off with jewellery, a bag and a coat.

Porter also broke into a house in Portman Road, Kings Heath when he stole a number of First World War medals.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary - all committed within days of release from his previous jail term.

He was jailed for four years by the court.

Miss Geraldine Toal, defending, said Porter had carried out the crimes to fuel his drug addiction.

She said the raids were opportunist and committed on the spur of the moment.

"It was inevitable he would be caught because he left behind DNA evidence and blood in all the properties," she concluded.

Judge John Warner told him the four year sentence would keep him off the streets.

"It will prevent people from being burgled by you," he said.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.