A TEENAGER once on the books of Blackburn Rovers took part in a random, drink-fuelled burglary, a court heard.

Liam Holt, 19, told police he, and another person, had broken into the flat, before stealing property.

He left behind a clue at the scene of the crime blood marks from which his DNA was recovered.

Holt, of Orchard Street, Great Harwood, had been committed by magistrates for sentencing at Preston Crown Court for burglary.

The flat, in Peridot Close, Blackburn, was attacked while the female occupant was out, on March 9.

Roger Baldwin, prosecuting, said she returned to discover a DVD player gone, clothing taken from the bedroom, and her trainers missing.

She was so upset that she spent the night at a friend's home.

Whoever was responsible had smashed a double-glazed window.

Blood was found on the inside handle and on the net curtain.

The blood on the curtain showed DNA which led police to arrest the defendant a fortnight later.

Holt admitted the offence.

He said he, and someone he knew, had been drinking heavily, before choosing the flat, at random, for burglary.

The DVD player was sold that same evening, though the trainers were recovered.

The teenager has 13 offences on his criminal record.

His barrister, Andrew Alty, told the court that Holt had shown some potential in the past and had been on the books of Blackburn Rovers.

He came from a hard- working and law-abiding family who had been devastated by his offending.

"This offence was a random, drunken burglary. There is no drugs history, but there is a drink history," he added.

The judge adjourned the case for an additional report by the probation service.

Holt was bailed for sentencing, on May 23, with conditions including an 8pm to 7am curfew, and an order not to enter licensed premises.