A prolific burglar who broke into a hospital was caught after leaving his blood at the scene.

Patrick Nash had only recently been released from prison when he struck at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Nash was caught after failing to explain how his blood ended up inside the office that was broken into.

Kirklees magistrates heard that the 47-year-old, who tested positive for Class A drugs following his arrest, was struggling for cash after leaving jail.

Nash broke into the Lindley hospital between July 30 and August 2.

He walked into a courtyard after opening an insecure door and then forced open a window to enter a basement office.

Robert Campbell, prosecuting, said: “The room was an office where secretaries work and held the hospital’s petty cash.

“He took £9 in petty cash and blood left at the scene was found to be his.

“The defendant was interviewed and denied the offence but couldn’t explain how his blood got into the office.”

Magistrates also heard details of another burglary, this time at the Guzelain Cafe Bar located next to Bradford Cathedral.

Nash broke in overnight between May 27 and 30 and stole £100 in petty cash.

Earlier this year the former Huddersfield man admitted a string of break-ins at businesses in the town centre.

He caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to The Blue Rooms cafe in Byram Arcade and the Rhubarb bar in Queensgate as well as targeting beauty shop Savers.

In June he was jailed for 12 weeks after admitting three other non-dwelling burglaries.

Paul Blanchard, mitigating, admitted that the hospital burglary was “more sinister and serious” as blood was left at the scene.

He added: “Mr Nash entered the premises and only recovered £9 – he realises it’s not worth the trouble.

“He went to custody in June, he’s released into the community and struggles because he doesn’t have the money.

“He’s without the support of a (methadone) prescription and as a result he does something foolish.

“He is in a cycle of going to prison and needs community support to break the cycle.”

Mr Blanchard added that his client has now moved from away from Huddersfield to his current address in Hemingway Garth in Leeds in attempt to forget his past.

Magistrates sentenced Nash to a curfew for four weeks as a direct alternative to custody.

He must also pay £180 court charge and compensation to the hospital and cafe.