Burglar who left blood at scene of crime admits stealing children's Christmas presents during break-in

Leon Best, 21 pocketed hundreds of pounds worth of items – including games consoles, a tool set and jewellery – from a Washington home during the overnight burglary on Friday, January 31

The victims, who were away when Best struck, only became aware of the break-in when a friend spotted their dogs running in a field the following morning, several miles from home.

Best’s actions were discovered when blood from inside the property was swabbed and came back as a forensic link.

He pleaded guilty to burglary at Teesside Magistrates’ Court last week.

His victims spoke of the “extreme emotional stress” caused by the crime and said: “While the theft has been of material possessions, they mostly belong to our small children who we have now had to explain to them that their gifts and Christmas presents have been stolen.

“Luckily our two much-loved family pets were found a few miles away by someone that knew who they belong to.

“We have to be grateful for their return as it is hard to even contemplate the possibility that they could have been knocked over and killed.

“We work very hard every day to provide for our children and give them the best possible quality of life we can, then only to have it unfairly taken away by someone who clearly thinks they are above the law.

“I only pray this never happens to any other family as it has turned out to be the worst experience of our family’s lives.”

Pc Shaun Smith warned that Best will face the “serious consequences” of the upset and anguish he caused.

He added: “Burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime which can have a long-lasting and harmful effect not only to those who are victim to it, but their families and the local community as a whole.

“It is therefore important that the public see individuals like Best – who prey on others for purely selfish gains – are dealt with swiftly and robustly.”

Best, Somerset Road, Middlesbrough, will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, June 3.

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