Burglar who 'just didn't care' jailed for Black Country crime spree

Shaun Mitton broke into a house in Cemetery Road, Lye and drove off in the owner's Toyota Corolla after taking the vehicle's ignition key during the burglary, a judge heard.

Four days after the February 20 offence he smashed a window at Cradley Heath Labour Club, searched the bar and escaped with three bottles of spirits, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard. It was the third time the premises had been raided.

Then Mitton struck again on February 26, breaking a window at the Indiluxe restaurant in Stourbridge and stealing a lap top. But the thief left a trail of clues for police investigating the crime, revealed Miss Heather Chamberlin, prosecuting.

His fingerprint was on the frame of the window through which he climbed to get into the house while a smear of blood that matched his DNA was found at the Labour Club.

Mitton, who had several previous convictions that included two for burglary, was recognised by police officers when they were shown CCTV images of the restaurant break.

Mr Antoine Muller, defending, explained: "The hallmark of this offending is that he just didn't care. He did not wear gloves, left blood at the scene.

"He later said: 'I didn't have a plan and can't remember half of what I did. I am pleading guilty because the forensic science says I did it. I just remember getting into a car and driving away.' That was as sophisticated as it got.

"He admits being given several chances to get off drugs but cannot get on top of his addiction although he still hopes to conquer it one day."

Mitton from Highgate Road. Dudley pleaded guilty to three burglaries and the theft of the car. He was sent to prison by Judge Simon Ward.