A LYE burglar has landed himself in jail after getting caught following a raid on the home of two pensioners where he left behind a jumper bearing his DNA.

Police recovered the sweater from the patio area of the house in Stourbridge and tests led them to Romanian-born Abrian Lacatus, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

After being arrested, the 24-year-old from Lye High Street (pictured) told officers he had been drinking heavily and he blamed an accomplice he maintained had played the leading role in the burglary.

Jamie Scott, defending, said: "The fact he was drunk supported his suggestion that his friend took the lead and perhaps took advantage of him.

"It is supported further by the fact that the goods taken were retained entirely by my client's friend who very shortly afterwards returned to Romania."

Mr Scott said Lacatus had benefitted in no way from the raid on the bungalow, which is home to a couple aged 69 and 70.

The court was told the pensioners were asleep when the burglars got into their home in the early hours through a kitchen window.

They stole items including an iPhone, a mobile and a satnav before fleeing after being disturbed by the husband.

Lacatus admitted burglary and was jailed for 25 months by Judge Nicholas Cartwright who ruled the offence was so serious only immediate custody was warranted.