Heroin addict Bothick took a drink break during a burglary at the National Spiritualist Church in Monkton Road, Jarrow, on November 28.

The 31 year old removed two cans from a fridge, drank from them and put them on a kitchen bench.

But when the cans were examined by police forensic experts, they found Bothick's DNA.

He admitted being in the church when he was arrested by police, before taking officers on a tour of other places he had either attempted to or had committed theft, stretching back five months.

Bothick, of Ribble Walk, Jarrow, admitted burglary and going equipped to burgle when he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates. He asked for 17 other offences to be taken into consideration.

Magistrates sentenced him to an 18-week suspended prison sentence to run alongside a drug rehabilitation order.

The court heard how the kitchen at the National Spiritualist Church, where donations are kept, was cleaned before the church closed.

Steve Edmonds, prosecuting, said: "The person who opened up left the cans untouched and contacted the police.

"Swabs were taken and the DNA matched that of Bothick. He was arrested and cautioned and also found to be in possession of a screwdriver.

"When questioned, he said he did not know where the church was, so he was taken out and shown the property.

"He accepted he had entered the place as a trespasser. In relation to the screwdriver, he said he had it on him in case the opportunity arose to steal something."

Bothick also admitted stealing £1,200 from PP Training in Kings Court, Jarrow.

Deborah Lloyd, defending, said: "Mr Bothick has a heroin addiction and over the years he has become a slave to this addiction.

"He went in a ride in a police car and pointed out where he had been. He wanted to get them dealt with as he wants to deal with his addiction."

Speaking after the case Clare Langley, Neighbourhood Inspector for Jarrow and Hebburn, said: "Mr Bothick pleaded guilty to a number of offences having been arrested after his DNA was found at the scene of a crime.

"I hope he is successful in dealing with his addiction and, as a result, I hope this type of behaviour against the wider community will cease."