'Prolific' burglar jailed after police find DNA on discarded screwdriver at crime scene

Michael Johnston smashed his way into a family home in Sunderland Road, Newbottle, just days before Christmas.

Police searched the surrounding area and found the tool, which had been thrown over a fence.

Northumbria Police’s Scientific Support Unit sent it off for forensic examination and it quickly came back as a match for Johnston.

He denied any involvement when interviewed by officers but admitted the offence when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

Johnston, of Wordsworth Avenue, Easington Lane, was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars.

Detective Constable Louise Edwards said: “This is another example of the power of forensics and how scientific advancements mean the net is tightening on burglars.

“After we ascertained a screwdriver had been used in the break-in, officers carried out a range of inquiries in nearby locations in the hope that the suspect had tried to discard it.

“Thankfully, that proved the case as officers found the item on the ground near the victim’s address and our brilliant forensic team were then able to provide irrefutable evidence Johnston was responsible.

“Johnston’s conviction is a result of some fantastic teamwork between a number of different teams across the force, and we are delighted that this prolific criminal has been taken off the streets.

“Burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime that can have a long-lasting and detrimental effect on victims, their families and the community as a whole. As a result, we will never tire in bringing offenders like Johnston to justice.”

Johnston refused to cooperate when he was arrested and was adamant throughout that he was not responsible for the burglary.

“The tiniest trace of blood, saliva, bodily fluid or fingerprint can now be detected by our dedicated crime scene investigators and used as irrefutable evidence to prove a person’s guilt in court,” DC Edwards added.

“That proved the case on this occasion and we will continue to use everything at our disposal to ensure those who wreak misery in our communities are rightly brought to justice.”