Would-be burglar left dog poo footprint at scene

A would-be burglar caught after he stepped in dog poo and left a damning dirty footprint has been sentenced.

Brian Harold, 20, committed a string of night-time crimes in residential areas of Carlisle with an older accomplice in August.

A dog poo footprint found on a window sill was matched to footwear worn by Harold on the night in question.

Harold admitted attempted burglary, three counts of theft and three offences of vehicle interference, and received an 18-month community order.

Harold, then aged 19, was sentenced for offences including the attempted burglary of a family's house at Kirkstead Close, in the Belle Vue area.

On the morning of 27 August, a husband and wife noticed their shed door was open.

Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson said they had found a garden chair positioned under their window sill.

Mr Rogerson added: "She also noticed there was an amount of dog faeces around the exterior of the property.

"On the window sill there was a footprint in that dog faeces which police subsequently examined and found it to be a match to footwear worn by Mr Harold."

It emerged Harold and his partner in crime had been active in other locations on the same night, including stealing tools from a van.

Harold was also involved in the theft of a wooden wishing well from outside a house, which was found dumped in another residential road.

"This was, in essence, a spree of offending," said Mr Rogerson.

Harold's solicitor Marion Weir said he was "easily influenced" by peers.

She added he was remorseful, had addressed substance misuse and was keen to stay out of trouble.

Harold must complete a building choices course, rehabilitation work and 150 hours of community service.

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