A BURGLAR has been jailed after his DNA was found on a rock he used to smash his way into his victim's home.

Mark Stephen Brady, 29, of Laundry Road, Southampton, was sentenced at the city's crown court following a two-day trial.

The court heard how Brady targeted a house at Graemar Lane, Sherfield English, on June 8 this year.

A police spokesman said: "He gained entry by smashing the rear patio doors with a rock found in the garden. He had also disabled the outside alarm.

"Once inside the property, Brady conducted an untidy search and stole jewellery, watches, and cash."

The court heard that Brady was caught after his DNA was identified on the rock he used to gain entry to the property.

Following the case, PSI Sarah Stewart, of Hampshire Constabulary’s Western Operation Hawk team, said: “I welcome this sentence and hope it goes some way to providing closure to the victim.

“The distress that crimes like this can cause victims immeasurable.

"We hope that this provides reassurance to local communities that we take these crimes very seriously, and will investigate all available lines of enquiry to identify offenders and bring them to justice.”