The Beer Store. (QMI Agency file photo)

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — When Frank Rose and another man picked up some cool brewskis from The Beer Store in Elliot Lake, Ont. — after closing time — they left behind a trail, court heard Wednesday.

Police say Rose's co-accused gashed his forearm during the break-in Tuesday.

So when provincial police officers arrived at the crime scene, they found a blood trail on the sidewalk and followed it to the apartment where the pair had taken the two cases of Budweiser and consumed them, court heard.

Rose, 22, pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom to break and enter to commit the indictable offence of theft.

Judge Melanie Dunn sentenced the first-time offender to 15 days in jail – less credit for two days of pre-sentence custody.

Rose also received 12 months of probation.

During that time, he must stay away from The Beer Store and can't associate with his co-accused.