A retired burglar who got drunk, broke into a flat and left a trail of blood back to his home, has been given a suspended jail sentence to encourage him to go back into retirement.

William Barrett, 59, smashed his neighbour’s window and made off with a television, Sky box, jewellery and alcohol.

He cut his hand and was arrested soon afterwards after police followed the trail of blood back to his flat in Rosemary Close, Rastrick, Brighouse.

The stolen goods were recovered, except for the alcohol, Bradford Crown Court was told yesterday.

Barrett pleaded guilty to burgling the flat on January 19.

Judge David Hatton QC sentenced Barrett to two months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, to try to persuade him to go back to a law-abiding life.

Barrett must also undergo supervision.