Kevin Anthony Barton, 57, charged with stealing more than $15,000 of items from Rocky River home

A Tenterfield man allegedly broke into a rural North Coast property and stole more than $15,000 of items before DNA was linked to him. But the accused has connected the find to work at the home.

Barton is accused of stealing more than $15,000 worth of items from a rural North Coast property. Picture: File

A Tenterfield Shire man allegedly broke into a rural North Coast property and stole more than $15,000 of items before DNA at the scene was linked to him.

But Kevin Anthony Barton has denied all allegations and told police DNA found simply showed he may have worked at the home at some stage, Lismore Local Court was told.

Barton told police he did not “specifically” know what they were talking about when questioned about the Rocky River break-in.

The 57-year-old faced court over videolink from custody on Friday and pleaded not guilty to entering a dwelling to steal.

Police allege Barton broke into the remote home in February last year.

It’s alleged Barton – whose occupation is listed as “prisoner” in court documents – cut a lock to let himself into the property.

Rocky River is a popular camping spot. Picture: Facebook

Barton allegedly stole $15,129 worth of goods including a couch, camping lounge, fridge, guitar, a hacksaw, lawnmower, mattress and solar panels. It’s also claimed Barton snatched a hot water pump, lithium battery, toolbox and a water heater.

Police allege in the documents a DNA swab was taken and linked to Barton, who was a wanted man at the time with three outstanding arrest warrants to his name.

Barton’s criminal record includes the evasion of police, the court was told.

Barton has a history of evading police, the court was told. Picture: File

When officers found Barton and confronted him about the DNA, it’s alleged he told them he “may have worked at the property”.

Barton said he could have installed a hot water system or hooked up solar at the property.

Police state Barton told them his “DNA would only be at a place” if he had been “working there”.

The court heard the accused said: “You’d probably even find my fingerprints there too, all over – even outside.”

“But I can’t say I specifically know what you are talking about,” he added.

The court heard the alleged victims were seeking compensation for the items and they did not know Barton before charges were laid.

The case was adjourned to December 9.