Sunderland raider who ransacked sports centre tried to convince cops his blood had been planted at the scene

Christopher Bewick smashed his way into the Raich Carter Sports Centre, Sunderland, before vandalising a number of vending machines and removing the money trays – as well as swiping mobile phones and other electronic devices.

But the 35-year-old inadvertently cut himself and left blood at the scene which came back as a forensic match.

Within 24 hours of the forensic hit, Bewick, of Saint Barnabas Way, Sunderland, was arrested and interviewed about the offence.

When asked in police interview about his DNA being found at the scene, Bewick claimed somebody must have taken some of his blood from a syringe and planted it at the scene to “fit him up”.

On Friday (June 3) he changed his story and pleaded guilty to burglary when appearing before magistrates in South Tyneside.

He was subsequently jailed for 26 weeks and ordered to pay £500 compensation.

Detective Sergeant Chris-Raper Smith, who leads the Southern Burglary Team based at Southwick Police Station, said: “This offence caused considerable upset within the community and had a big effect on those who work at and use the sports centre.

“Bewick left a huge amount of damage as he smashed his way around during an untidy search – showing absolutely no regard for the centre or anybody connected with it.

“Unfortunately for him, his deception was laid bare after leaving a trail of blood at the scene and it was fantastic work by the Force’s forensic experts to irrefutably link him to the crime.

“Bewick even had the audacity to claim that somebody had planted his blood at the scene but this story was quickly abandoned in court when he realised the weight of evidence against him.

“There is absolutely no place for offending of this type and we will continue to do all we can to bring burglars and thieves to justice.”

The Southern Burglary Team consists of a team of detectives tasked with reviewing every break-in across Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.