A BUNGLING burglar left blood at the scene of two houses he raided while the owners were out.

Barry Hart took a pair of bicycles worth a combined total of £1,200 from a house in St Andrew's Avenue, Colchester, in March.

Then a week later he took jewellery, cash, watches and digital equipment from another home in East Street in the town.

Both times blood was discovered at the properties which Essex Police were able to link to Hart.

He admitted two counts of dwelling burglary without violence during a hearing at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

Kristal Penrose, prosecuting, said Hart had broken into the houses in the daytime while the occupants were out.

She said: "The first offence occurred between 1pm and 5.45pm on March 3 at a three bedroomed house.

"The victim had left the house secure at 1pm and returned to find somebody had entered the house through the rear door.

"He stole two bikes from the conservatory and left blood on the door.

"Police were able to find a positive match to the defendant.

"The second burglary happened between 5.45am and 2.30pm at a two bedroomed house in East Street.

"The victim had left for work early in the morning with the house secure.

"He returned to find somebody had entered his property.

"A neighbour stated they had seen somebody acting suspiciously and an open window at the house.

"Again, a forensic examination found blood at the scene was a positive match for the defendant.

"Both victims have confirmed they do not know the defendant and he does not have permission to be inside their property."

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case.

Hart, 51, will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court later this year for sentencing.

He has been remanded in custody until then.