A BARNSLEY burglar who broke into a home days after Christmas Day has been jailed.

On December 30 2023, the owner of a property in the Goldthorpe area returned from work to find his home ransacked.

The window in the back door of the house had been smashed and his television was missing. A new electronic toothbrush, which was bought as a gift for Christmas, and a crate of beer were also missing.

When police arrived, blood was discovered on the blinds near another smashed window in the home. Forensic analysis of the blood linked prolific burglar Luke Smith to the crime.

After being arrested, Smith, of no fixed abode, admitted his guilt, adding that he was sorry for his actions.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of burglary dwelling and theft at Sheffield Crown Court on October 7. He was jailed for 876 days at the same court on October 22.

PC Shirt, the officer in charge of this case, said: “The evidence against Smith in this case was overwhelming. He made no effort to cover his tracks while targeting unsuspecting homeowners during the festive period and will now face the consequences of his actions.”