Burglar jailed after leaving behind DNA

A CONVICTED burglar who broke into an Ipswich home while he was on day release from prison is today facing up to an extended spell behind bars.

Matthew Cracknell was just days away from completing his sentence for burglary at Hollesley Bay prison when he smashed his way into a house in Humber Doucy Lane on April 16.

The 24-year-old, from Connaught Road, stole jewellery and two bottles of unopened vodka.

However, before making off Cracknell cut himself, leaving blood on the curtains in an upstairs bedroom which left DNA that ultimately helped police trace him.

Prosecuting, Robert Sadd told the court Cracknell, who was drunk at the time, gained entry by smashing a patio door.

He said: "Vodka and two pairs of earrings were taken. One pair had a special value as a friend had given them to the victim. The value of what was taken came to about £50.

"The incident was very upsetting for the victim."

The court heard how Cracknell was due to be released three days after the incident on April 19, but this was refused when he returned to Hollesley Bay under the influence of alcohol. His release date was then pushed back to August 31.

It also emerged the latest offence was Cracknell's third for burglary.

Andrew Thompson, mitigating, said the only aggravating feature of the case - Cracknell being on day release from prison at the time - had already been dealt with.

He said: "He has already faced the direct punitive consequences of that as his release date was put back to August.

"He entered his plea at the first possible opportunity."

Sentencing Cracknell to a two-and-a-half-year sentence, Recorder James Wood said: "You broke into these premises and took drink and some jewellery.

"The effect of your conduct has been predictable in that a woman who lives alone has been made insecure.

"You were trusted with home release and you abused that trust, thus there's no alternative to imprisonment."

The sentence will be served consecutively.