A DECORATOR who stole expensive jewellery from clients and hid it in a bag of plaster was facing jail last night.

Father-of-two Anthony Cormack, 37, of Deona Court, Darlington, was shocked to learn the value of the £57,000 collection, which included an 18-carat gold, diamond and mother-of-pearl watch like one worn by Victoria Beckham.

The jewellery was stolen from Michael and Susan Melton last July, a few weeks after they moved into the Country Tea Shop, in Staindrop, County Durham.

Cormack, who was on the dole and in debt, gave in to temptation and stuffed it in a bag of plaster after it fell from a bedroom vanity unit, Dan Cordey, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court.

But he left it behind when he moved to another job at Sedgefield Racecourse.

Mrs Melton reported the theft to police, but the jewellery was found days later by her husband.

Cormack was found guilty of theft at the end of a three-day trial, and was remanded on bail for reports before sentence.

The judge, Recorder Rebecca Thornton, told him: "It was accepted in court that you did not know the value of the property that you took.

"It was a theft in a breach of trust. All options are open to the court, including a custodial sentence."

Mrs and Mrs Melton said last night they were relieved the case was over.

Detective Sergeant Sean Jackson, of Bishop Auckland CID, said: "During the course of the trial, emphasis was placed upon the high value of the jewellery, but it was the sentimental value which was more important to the victims.

"Cormack betrayed their trust in committing the offence and the trust of his employer, Paul Carter."