Burglar behind bars after leaving his own blood at a crime scene

Written by Aaron Kearney on 23 May 2025

Table of Contents Show

A bungling burglar is now behind bars after leaving his own blood at a crime scene in Gateshead.

Darrell Patterson, smashed his way into a shop on Parsons Drive in Ryton in the early hours of May 5.

He stole £5,640 in cash before leaving via the front entrance, prior to police arrival.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered specks of blood which were left behind. After forensic examination, officers linked Patterson to the scene.

Patterson was later arrested and charged with burglary. On May 21, he appeared before Bedlington Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Patterson, 30, of Ennerdale Crescent, Winlaton, Gateshead, was sentenced to a year behind bars and ordered to pay compensation of £2,820.

Northumbria Police’s Detective Sergeant Ian Ritchie, of Gateshead Serious Organised and Acquisitive Crime Team, said: “Burglary is an incredibly invasive crime, which causes financial and physical damage to businesses.

“Tackling those who think it’s ok to cause unrest in our community by committing these types of crimes remains one of our top priorities.

“Our message is simple - if you are suspected of committing a crime and actively avoid speaking with us, we will track you down and we will use all of our available powers to do this.

“We will investigate every report and endeavour to bring those responsible to justice – as Patterson learnt the hard way when he was put behind bars just a day after his arrest.

“I hope this positive outcome acts as reassurance to businesses that we are committed to taking action against burglars and thieves targeting businesses.

“We would continue to urge everyone – homes and businesses - to continue to lock doors and sheds, keep valuables out of sight and ensure that security systems are in place if possible.

“As always, we continue to ask those in our communities to contact us if you see anything suspicious in your area.

“No matter how insignificant you think it may be, this could provide valuable intelligence towards identifying offenders.

“Our dedicated burglary teams are also tasked with reviewing every break-in, pursuing perpetrators and working with colleagues to help prevent further offences from taking place.”

A bungling burglar is now behind bars after leaving his own blood at a crime scene in Gateshead.

Darrell Patterson, smashed his way into a shop on Parsons Drive in Ryton in the early hours of May 5.

He stole £5,640 in cash before leaving via the front entrance, prior to police arrival.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered specks of blood which were left behind. After forensic examination, officers linked Patterson to the scene.

Patterson was later arrested and charged with burglary. On May 21, he appeared before Bedlington Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to the offence.