A DRUG addict cut himself as he burgled a Worcestershire home, smearing his blood across the scene.

Worcester Crown Court heard Matthew Schramm broke into a house in Eckington, near Pershore, to feed his heroin addiction.

The 21-year-old was jailed for 20 months yesterday.

Judge Andrew Geddes heard Schramm, currently of HMP Gloucester, cycled from his Pershore home to the house in Tewkesbury Road on Tuesday, January 8.

"It's an isolated dwelling," said Denis Desmond, prosecuting.

"The occupier arrived home from work and discovered the house had been broken into.

"Every room had been searched, drawers had been removed and items moved.

"Blood was smeared in the house."

The court heard tests were carried out on the blood leading to Schramm's arrest.

"He said he had cycled to the premises as he needed cash to buy heroin," said Mr Desmond.

A video recorder and music system stolen by Schramm were sold for £120.

He admitted burglary and two counts of theft.

On Monday, May 6 he stole £6 of Pot Noodles from the BP station in Pershore and on Tuesday, May 14 he stole a bottle of whisky from the town's Co-op store.

"Blood wasn't smeared deliberately," said David Mason, defending.

"He cut himself on entering the premises. If he hadn't done that he wouldn't have been found.

"But he was and he admitted it.

"It's a shame he was given bail because it allowed him to continue using heroin and commit further offences.

"He's now given up heroin and is determined to remain drug free."

Jailing Schramm, Judge Geddes said he hoped he was full of remorse.

"Courts treat these offences seriously," he said.

"I hope you realise how strong the impact is on homeowners.

"I hope you will pursue your current determination and stay off drugs."

Schramm was sentenced to 20 months' jail for burglary and one month for each theft to run concurrently.