A-NOT-SO super villain left blood at the scene of his crime after stealing comic book figures from a popular store.

Stephen Stewart, of Eldred Avenue, Colchester, took a number of miniature models from Ace Comics in Culver Street in the town centre after smashing through the window with his fist.

The figures were a mixture of Marvel and DC characters, which included Batman nemesis The Joker and cost roughly £200 in total.

Stewart, 40, admitted theft when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Phillip Pearson said police were able to track down Stewart after he inadvertently left blood at the scene of the crime.

He said: “During the process of removing the figures he has cut himself and blood was recovered from the scene of the incident.

“It was tested and matched to his DNA.

“As well as the cost of the figures, the estimated cost of the window to be repaired was between £500 and £550.”

The court heard Stewart had been battling a heroin addiction at the time of the theft on October 1 last year, but has been clean since meeting his new girlfriend in November.

He has since moved into her home and is taking fortnightly drug tests with the help of addiction treatment centre Open Road.

All have come back negative for all substances except prescription drugs.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to a 12-month community order with the requirement he completes 100 hours of unpaid work within that time.

After a meeting with the probation service, it was decided Stewart was fit enough to complete unpaid work.

They also decided, because of his low income, Stewart should pay £400 in compensation to Ace Comics.

Convicted criminals are also usually forced to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge, but magistrates decided to waive the amounts on this occasion.