A YOUNG father became stranded in Worcester following a night out, so broke in to three vehicles in an attempt to get home.

After an argument with his girlfriend, Robert Neill went out with friends, but caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a Renault Scenic, Ford Escort and a van in the hope of hot-wiring one of them to provide him with transport home.

However, the 22-year-old left traces of blood in some of the vehicles - which were parked in the Foundry Street area of the city - which when analysed by forensic scientists linked him to the crimes.

Gemma Goode, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said the owner of the Ford returned to the vehicle and noticed windows had been smashed and someone had attempted to force the driver's door open.

She said the owner of the Renault also reported damage to the vehicle after it was left unlocked.

She said: "A number of wires had been ripped out and were hanging down. A bloodstain again was found on the inside of the glove compartment.

Miss Goode said Neill explained to officers why he had broken into the vehicles on Sunday, December 16, last year.

"He said he smashed the rear window of one vehicle and climbed through to the back seat. He said he tried to hotwire it and if he'd have started it he would have driven home to Droitwich."

Barry Newton, defending, said: "He had a row with his girlfriend. Friends picked him up and brought him to Worcester but there was nowhere he could stay. Then, having consumed cider, he foolishly returned to old ways by trying to find a vehicle he could have taken and driven away."

Mr Newton said that after spending about three weeks living in St Paul's Hostel in Worcester, Neill had been reconciled with his girlfriend and was back living with her and their eight-month-old child in Bay's Meadow, Droitwich.

Neill admitted three counts of vehicle interference. He was given a 12-month community order with 150 hours' unpaid work and must pay £350 compensation and £60 court costs.