Man stole from mum to pay loan shark

A man stole jewellery of great sentimental value from his mother to pay off a loan shark, Oldham magistrates were told.

He also took other items including a television set, which he sold for £100 and then left the receipt where the TV used to stand.

Michael James Carr (21), of no settled address, admitted theft and was sentenced to a community order.

The court heard he was given the responsibility of looking after the home of his mother and step-father in Coleridge Road, Oldham, while they went on holiday for a week.

But on their return, Adele and Ben Statham found their rear door was locked and the porch had been blocked by a sewing machine.

Jackie Stott, prosecuting, said Mrs Statham saw that her Samsung TV had been taken and in its place was a receipt for £100 from Cash Generators in her son’s name.

On searching their home, they found that a gold ring which belonged to Carr’s great-grandmother, had been taken, along with a black digital camera from a bedroom which they had left locked.

A short time later Carr attended the address and was told he wasn’t welcome any more.

He began shouting outside the property and was arrested by police.

In a statement, Mrs Statham said her son was no longer welcome at their address as she felt disappointed and hurt.

Defending, Miss Justine Whitworth said: “He’s embarrassed and disappointed with himself.

“He had built up debt with a loan shark and had pressure put on him to pay the money back. He acted out of desperation.

“He did pawn the TV and he knew he would get into trouble but he thought that he would still be able to get it back.”

Carr sold the ring but wasn’t able to get it back.

He told his solicitor that he had suffered from panic attacks and as a result, hasn’t worked for a year.

Carr was ordered to complete a 12 month community order and pay compensation of £150 to his mother and £100 to Cash Generators, who gave the TV back to Mrs Statham.

He must also take part in a thinking-skills programme.