A BUNGLING burglar was caught after leaving vital evidence on a straw in a discarded drinks carton at the scene of his crime.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Sonny Foster, also known as Sonny Lewis, had broken into an unoccupied property on the resort’s West Overcliff Drive on the night of September 25 last year.

Foster, 29, from Frances Road, Boscombe, who has amassed 21 convictions for 40 offences, admitted a single burglary charge.

Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott said copper piping and a water tank had been stolen. Damage caused by water flooding the downstairs of the property was estimated at up to £9,000.

Mr Ellacott told the court how crime scene investigators had found a drinks carton in the loft of the burgled home and DNA evidence from a straw had led to Foster’s arrest.

Defending, Nigel Mitchell said Foster had broken into the house to fund his drug habit but kept away from crime for more than six months while he took part in a drug treatment programme, stressing: “He is clean and doing really well.”

Describing Foster’s record as “shocking,” Judge John Harrow told him he deserved to be sent to prison but added: “It is in the public interest, if possible, to try and wean you off drugs; it is down to you.

“You have been lucky today.”

He imposed a 12-month community order, with supervision for 12 months and a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement. Foster thanked him as he walked out of the courtroom.