FORMER car-minder Craig Birch was linked to a car that had its windows smashed after police found DNA evidence which connected him to the crime, a court heard.

Birch appeared at Wycombe Magistrates Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to interfering with a Vauxhall Corsa with the intention of theft of that motor vehicle or anything carried on it or in it.

A previous charge against the 19-year-old, of Lester Grove, Hazlemere, of theft of a stereo and other property worth £300 from a motor vehicle, was withdrawn.

Felicity McWilliam, prosecuting, said that between January 8 and January 9 the Vauxhall Corsa was parked on Market Parade, in Hazlemere, when the rear window and quarter light were smashed, causing £500 damage.

She added that Birch had been arrested by police and exercised his right to make no comment but did admit he was there.

Anne Conway, defending, said the offence was still quite old and his connection was based entirely on DNA evidence.

She added: "He accepts he put his hand into the car and left blood inside but was certainly not in possession of anything from that vehicle."

Magistrates decided that the offence was serious enough to be considered for a community penalty.

They postponed sentence for a probation report to be prepared. Birch was released on conditional bail.