A TEENAGE burglar stole a bike and left behind his own - complete with tell-tale fingerprints on the crossbar.

Lewis Tandy's involvement in the break-in at a house in Middlesbrough in June was proved by forensic tests.

Tandy, 19, was jailed for 20 months after he pleaded guilty to burglary at Teesside Crown Court.

His barrister, Nigel Soppitt, said his parents - in the public gallery - are "supportive but not naive".

"They say he is a feckless young lad who needs a kick in a certain area," Mr Soppitt told the judge, Recorder Graham Cook.

The court heard how Tandy, of Barden Road, Middlesbrough, has 20 offences on his record, including a number of thefts.

During the break-in at Eton Road on June 21, a lap-top, iPad, camera, car key, tools and a mountain bike were taken.

Two bicycles were left behind, said prosecutor Jenny Haigh, when Tandy and an unknown accomplice left the scene.

Mr Soppitt told the judge that the teenager failed to turn up for a plea hearing at court because he was terrified of jail.

He was then arrested for a breach of bail, and remanded in custody at Holme House Prison, Stockton, three weeks ago.

"It was a self-fulfilling prophecy," said Mr Soppitt. "He has had what used to be called a short, sharp shock.

"It has been appalling being in prison. He is 19 and went straight into an adult prison. It has had a profound effect."

In an impact statement, the burglary victim - a teacher - told how the loss of her belongings has left her devastated.

Months of work was on the computer, and she will have to spend her summer holidays renewing it, she explained.

"I am extremely angry and frustrated," she said. "It has had a catastrophic effect on my ability to be efficient in my role.

"I am finding it hard to get to sleep but the biggest problem for me is the loss of my lap-top.

"It has a massive amount of previous work I had done for lesson plans, to allow for assessments to be done, and pupil details."