A DNA match trapped a burglar 19 months after he committed a break-in, a jury was told.
Gavin Shuck allegedly raided Whitehouse Farm, Ismere, near Kidderminster, and stole a hi-fi.
A married couple had been refurbishing the farm and discovered the raid when they returned to the property the following day.
But a DNA test on blood discovered on the lounge door matched the defendant's genetic profile, said prosecutor Tariq Shakoor.
Shuck, 33, of Dowles Road, Rifle Range estate, Kidderminster, denies burglary.
Worcester Crown Court heard that Graham Knight and his wife found two broken windows and the front door open on April 18, 1998. The property had been searched, the hi-fi missing and tools left outside.
Mr Knight said work had been going on for seven months at the farm.
Shuck was arrested in November 1999 but stayed silent during a police interview, said Mr Shakoor.
The defendant told the jury that on the night of the burglary he was out rabbiting with a lurcher when he heard the sound of breaking glass.
Shuck said he climbed in through the broken window to see what had been going on. He added: "It was a stupid to do. I did it out of curiosity." He said he must have cut himself before looking around the house.
Shuck said he did not tell police he had discovered a break-in because he was involved in illegal "lamping".
The trial continues.
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