A former Huddersfield Giants rugby player has been jailed for 16 months after he stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery in a burglary.

Ben Feehan, who previously also played for Bradford Bulls and Batley Bulldogs, was traced through his DNA after he left blood behind at the scene of his crime.

Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday(tues) the victim had left her bungalow in Moor View, Holmfirth locked on the morning of December 19 last year and, returning at 5.30pm, found a window broken.

The property had been searched and £8,000 worth of jewellery in a safe including family heirlooms was missing. That included a gold ring of enormous sentimental value.

Marie Austin-Walsh, prosecuting, said a forensic examination revealed the blood linking 28-year-old Feehan to the scene.

When he was arrested he confirmed he was responsible saying he had committed the offence because he owed money to someone and feared reprisals.

The court heard he was also jailed in 2010 for a burglary offence.

Adam Birkby, representing Feehan, said the money was owed to a significant criminal figure in Huddersfield.

A trained hairdresser, Feehan had in the past been a noted rugby league player turning out for Huddersfield Giants, Batley Bulldogs and Halifax. He had suffered some injuries but had recently been offered a professional contract with Swinton Lions for 2014.

He said Feehan expressed remorse for his actions and the loss and upset it had caused to the occupant.

Feehan of Farfield Road, Almondbury, admitted the burglary.

Jailing him Judge Neil Clark said: “Burglary is a mean, unpleasant and serious offence. People are perfectly entitled and indeed should be able to feel secure in their homes.

“The victims of your behaviour have experienced extreme anxiety, sleepless nights and are afraid to leave their house – all of those are the sorts of feelings and experiences the victims of burglary often feel. “

“You took from them a large amount of property but the value is nothing compared to the emotional value they had to these people. They were handed down by members of their family, that is why burglary is a serious matter.”