A Co Antrim man who stole jewellery from his partner to fund his drug habit, has been jailed for a month at Magherafelt Magistrates Court.
District Judge Conor Heaney heard details of the theft which were revealed when police were called to an ongoing domestic incident at an address in Portglenone.
Appearing by video link from Maghaberry Prison was 41-year-old Darren Stephen Ryles, of Mill Grange, Newtownabbey, who pleaded guilty to stealing the jewellery, valued £1,100, between May 1 and May 31.
Prosecuting counsel said on June 2, police were called to the incident in Portglenone which amounted to a verbal argument between Ryles and his partner.
She said by the time police arrived the defendant had left the property and the complainant claimed he had taken jewellery belonging to her to fund his drugs habit.
Counsel said this included a gold engagment ring, gold necklace and bracelet worth in excess of £1,100.
She added the prosecution would be applying for a compensation order.
A defence lawyer said it was a relationship which was marked by domestic abuse.
She said it was a “sad” situation as up until recent years when he has struggled with drug addiction, the defendant had a very good working life.
Counsel pointed out that Ryles has been in custody since the time of the incident.
Imposing the one-month jail sentence with a £25 offender’s levy, Judge Heaney also ordered that he pay compensaton totalling £1,100 to the complainant.
He allowed him 20 weeks to discharge the court order.
The judge said he would not make a restraining order in the case.
