A "DESPERATE" burglar was tracked down after he left a half-eaten chocolate bar at the scene of his crime.

Jason Clarke, aged 29, now faces a jail sentence after admitting a string of burglaries in the Malvern area.

He burgled Malvern Library three times in April this year, stealing £7 on the first occasion, followed by £17 and a first aid kit valued at £20.

Worcester magistrates heard yesterday how he also caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at the library when he broke in.

Linda Jeffery, prosecuting, said a part-eaten Mars bar was found at the library in Graham Road on the first occasion.

"DNA checks came back to the defendant," she said.

On the third occasion, Clarke broke windows to get into the library and steal a first aid kit.

"Blood was found at the scene and the DNA again came back to the defendant," said Miss Jeffery.

Clarke broke into a flat in Victoria Road, Malvern in the same month, stealing clothing to the value of £130.

Also in April, Clarke, of Gainsborough Close, Welland, Malvern, twice broke into Malvern's BT compound in Albert Road, damaging vans inside.

"He told the police he was homeless and needed to get his head down for the night," said Miss Jeffery.

Clarke admitted all offences.

Charles Hamer, defending, said the crimes were all committed in a relatively short period of time, when Clarke was "in a very desperate state of mind".

He also pointed out he was almost 30 but still living with his parents.

"You will infer that something has gone very wrong with his life," he said.

Magistrates adjourned the case until Monday, November 4, for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

They warned Clarke all sentencing options would be considered. He was released on bail, on condition he lives with his parents, reports to Malvern police station twice a week and observes a curfew between 10pm and 7am.