A HERION addict stole from a Leominster jeweller after running out of money to fund his habit.

Daran Peter Morris, 37, of Buckfield Road, Leominster, who had lost his job shortly before the offence, pleaded guilty to stealing three jewellery rings valued at £440.

Abbey Kingston, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court last week said the rings belonged to Sylvia Hales who rented a retail space at the town's antique market.

The theft was discovered on December 29, at 4.30pm when Mrs Hales went down to the basement area of the shop.

"When she was down there she realised that the lock to glass doors on a jewellery cabinet had been broken and three rings were missing," said Mrs Kingston.

The last time Mrs Hales had seen the rings was earlier that day when she had showed them to a customer but not sold them.

CCTV cameras were checked which showed Morris going into the cabinet and taking the rings. A local community support officer knew the defendant who was subsequently arrested.

Mrs Kingston added: "On interview Morris made full admission but said he hadn't gone into the shop with the intention to steal, but saw an opportunity and took it.

"He said that he had gone down to the cellar trying to be careful and making as little noise as possible.

"He had no money on him at the time and stole to fund his £20 a day heroin addiction."

Morris later sold the rings at a local jewellery store for £90 and compensation of £225 was requested.

One of the rings was fully recovered, a citrine stone valued at £145 was missing from the second ring and the third ring valued at £80 wasn't recovered.

Chris Reid, mitigating, said that Morris needed to get money to deal with his drug problem.

He added: "Drugs have been an issue of his for some years and had a full-time employment but was laid off before Christmas."

Magistrates adjourned the case for a full probation report to be prepared.