Woman stole daughter's ring and sold it for £30

A woman stole her daughter's £499 engagement ring and sold it for £30 at a local shop, a court heard.

Maxine Stanley shares her home in Lovett Court, Rugeley, with her daughter and Cannock Magistrates Court heard that the 39-year-old took her white gold engagement ring between March 13 and 16 this year.

Stanley pleaded guilty to taking Serena Marklew's ring at the same court on April 23.

Prosecutor Alka Marston told the court that Stanley's daughter bought the ring from H Samuel in Cannock before splitting up with her fiancé.

Ms Marston said that Ms Marklew kept the ring under her bed in a box for sentimental reasons.

When she discovered the ring was missing, Ms Marklew checked the house, but there was no sign of forced entry.

The court heard that a police constable, who knew the defendant, saw Stanley at a gold exchange centre in Rugeley carrying out a transaction.

The Pc made enquiries and was told by the shopkeeper that he had given her £30 for the ring.

Ms Marston said when the Pc heard a ring had been stolen, it was shown to Ms Marklew who identified it as her own. Stanley was then interviewed by police and admitted she had taken it, saying she had "no idea what was going through her head".

Defending, Neil Gerrity said that Stanley suffered with emotional problems.

"She suffers with agoraphobia, has increased levels of anxiety and suffers panic attacks," said Mr Gerrity.

As well as theft, Stanley pleaded guilty to breaching a previous community order she received for shoplifting in Morrisons last year.

Stanley was given a new 12-month community order and ordered to pay £240 – £50 as a financial penalty, £60 probation costs, a £15 victim surcharge, separate costs for the theft of £85, and £30 compensation.