A burglar has been jailed for four years after police linked him to a crime through bloodstains in the victim's house.

Charles Jernigan, 28, of Lodge Road, Broad Green, stole cash and watches from a house in West Croydon on April 1 after breaking in through a window.

But forensic police officers investigating the raid found blood on the front door and and a ring that did not belong to the victim, and detectives were able to link them to Jernigan.

He attended Croydon police station on April 16, when he was arrested. 

Jernigan initially denied involvement with the burlgary but pleaded guilty on May 1 at Croydon Crown Court.

Det Sergeant James Pitman, of the Metropolitan Police's Croydon burglary squad, said: “I am really pleased with the result of this investigation and that Jernigan pleaded guilty.

"We will pursue anyone committing burglary and will make sure that they are brought before a court”.


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