Hemel: Blood Trail Helps Catch Prolific Criminal

11 January 2013, 15:50 | Updated: 11 January 2013, 15:55

Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Police have caught a 27 year-old prolific criminal after he cut himself at the scene of a burglary, after he, and another man, smashed their way into a home before Christmas.

Alec Hanna was caught when he left his blood at the scene of a break-in at a house in Rant Meadow at around 8pm on the 10th of December 2012.

Hanna, 27, and another man used a claw hammer to smash the glass in the porch at the property.

Prosecutor Laura Blackband said that after the burglary, neighbours saw two men escape over a fence, get into a car and drive off. They left empty-handed, but Hanna was identified because he cut himself at the scene and the police were able to remake DNA match.

A second man has since been arrested.

Hanna of Elizabeth Court, Chapel Street, Luton appeared for sentence at St Albans crown court yesterday having pleaded guilty before magistrates to attempted burglary at around 8pm at the house on the night of December 10 last year. He had 35 previous court appearances.

Stephen Halloran, defending, asked for Hanna to be bailed for a Drug Rehabiliation Requirement, saying he had been in custody since December 13.

Judge John Plumstead agreed but said: "I know what he deserves. I am not sure that this is the right thing. He is facing a substantial prison sentence. Someone has come home and seen their front door smashed and suffered the annoyance of being burgled. He has got to stop offending. If I send him to prison I would only be protecting the public for a period. If this (a Drug Rehabiltation Programme) works the problem may be solved."

He bailed Hanna for 3 weeks while an assessment is carried out. He must abide by a curfew between 9pm and 7am. His movements will be monitored by police and probation officers by an electronic tag.

The judge told Hanna: "You have a revolting record - stealing, hitting people, driving offences and taking drugs. You have been useless and idle. If that is the way you are going to carry on you will receive a long sentence. If you want to get yourself sorted out I am prepared to give you a chance. I am going to give you an opportunity to show you are worth something."

Hanna said: "Thank you very much."