A PROLIFIC burglar who broke into a house just two months after avoiding prison for another break-in has been jailed for 18 months.

Arnold Cooch, 19, of North Street, Southminster, was caught after leaving his blood at the scene when he broke into property in Burnham Road, Southminster earlier this year.

In December, Cooch (pictured) had been handed a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting another burglary at an address in Queenborough Road last year.

On Monday, Chelmsford Crown Court heard Cooch had gone on to commit the second burglary within weeks of his previous court appearance.

Emma Nash, prosecuting, said: “Between January 25, 2018, when the property was left in a decent and normal state, and February 9, Mr Cooch burgled the address in Burnham Road, Southminster. The owner was away.

“Entry was gained by smashing windows and the defendant was identified by the blood left, leading to DNA evidence.

“The house was empty so he left with nothing.”

Cooch has five previous convictions for nine separate offences.

Judge Charles Gratwicke, warned Cooch at the hearing on December 22 to expect jail if he was caught again.

Passing sentence on Monday, he said: “I have little doubt it has been explained to you the court’s approach in respect of a third burglary. It is required to carry a minimum term of three years in prison.

“When you appeared before me I told you that you would not need a crystal ball to tell you what would happen if you committed another offence, and yet within a short period of time that is exactly what you did. It follows that a prison sentence must in your case be passed.

“The only question that this court has to ask itself is whether or not in the circumstances of this case the court should impose the three year sentence.”

Hannah Sutton, mitigating, said Cooch endured a difficult upbringing, had learning difficulties but had made significant progress since he was remanded in prison following his arrest in February.

She said: “He has completed an art course, a maths course, a literacy course and an advanced course to be a cleaner whilst in prison. He states he is recognising a right way of going about things and he has found the support since being in prison very helpful.

“It is only a very sad state of circumstances that means he has only been able to find the support he needs since he has been incarcerated.”

Judge Gratwicke said because of Cooch’s age, circumstances and the fact nothing was taken in the burglary he would show him leniency.

“When you leave prison build upon what has occurred and try to make something of your life,” he said.

Cooch was sentenced to one year for burglary and six months for breaching his suspended sentence to run consecutively.