Man stole and sold his stepmother’s jewellery from Inverness address to fund his drink and drugs habit
A MAN stole and sold his stepmother’s jewellery to fund his drink and drugs habit.
Ben Jackson (39) stole various items from the Inverness address of his father and stepmother between September 1 and October 8, 2020, after moving in with them during the Covid lockdown.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard he went to Ramsdens pawnbrokers on two occasions to pawn some of the items.
Fiscal depute Adelle Gray told Sheriff Gary Aitken: “Before the accused’s arrival, the stepmother had removed all items of jewellery and locked them away for safe keeping.
“On October 5, Jackson went to Ramsdens and told the worker it was items given by his mother. He sold two gold necklaces and one gold bracelet, valued at £142.10, and was given payment in cash.
“On October 8, Jackson was left alone within the home, and when the stepmother returned she saw him beside the bedroom door, which was open, and he had no excuse to have been in that part of the house.
“Jackson then packed his back and left.
“The stepmother then looked through her jewellery to find that £1400 worth was missing.
“She called the police.”
On October 8, the day he left the house, Jackson sold more jewellery for a total of £60.20.
Jackson, of Millers Hill, Houghton Le Spring, pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of jewellery.
Sheriff Aitken ordered him to pay £2000 compensation.
He said: “Your behaviour was shameful, to say the least. You claim you are going to pay compensation; failure to pay will result in a custodial sentence.”
Jackson’s defence solicitor, Patrick O’Dea, said: “The timing of the offence was during lockdown, and he was drinking to excess and had difficulty with prescription medication. He was needing cash - to his shame.
“His stepmother has reconciled with him but his father has not. He is totally ashamed of his behaviour.”
Inverness Sheriff Court heard he had gone to Ramsdens on two occasions to pawn some of the items.
MORE COURT NEWS:
• Inverness man ‘drunk as a skunk’ shouted and swore at police officers outside McDonald’s
• Forres man’s lack of attention leads to multi-vehicle crash near A96 and Auldearn
