Teenager stole dead woman’s jewellery

Ryan Michael Woodley was seen by his mother breaking into her neighbour’s home at Granville Terrace, Binchester, County Durham, on October 19.

The 18-year-old cannabis addict stole a treasured jewellery box containing gold rings and necklaces.

They had belonged to resident Gary Hopper’s mother, who died recently.

Bishop Auckland Magistrates’ Court heard that a shaken Mrs Woodley called her neighbour, who she was friends with, to raise the alarm. Already having a key, she checked the property to find the jewellery was missing from a bedroom.

However, when Mr Hopper returned from work at about 8pm, Woodley had posted the jewellery through the letterbox in an envelope.

Woodley, of Waine Terrace, Bishop Auckland, yesterday pleaded guilty to burglary.

Alison Nunn, prosecuting, said the jewellery was of a high sentimental value.

She said Woodley could not sell the jewellery after his mother called to confront him.

She said: “He did take it to weigh it in, but on hearing his mother, thought better of it.

“There is an element of breach of trust. The defendant has, through his mother, realised there was something in the house.”

The neighbours had been friends for about six years.

Woodley had also stayed with Mr Hopper when his relationship with his mother was going through a troubled patch.

Woodley was also in breach of conditional discharge after he was convicted of criminal damage of a vehicle on June 5.

John Turner, in mitigation, said benefit-dependent Woodley was wrestling with his cannabis addiction.

He told the court: “He genuinely feels remorse and there is evidence of that, firstly in returning the items and by making full admissions.

“He wonders how on earth he can make it up to Mr Hopper and his mother. He knows that cannabis has got a hold over him and he should do something about it.”

Magistrates gave Woodley a nine-month community order with nine months of supervision and a 7pm to 7am curfew.