A GAMBLING addict who stole jewellery from Huddersfield shops to fund his habit has been jailed for six months.
Shane Summers, 29, appeared at Leeds Crown Court charged with two counts of theft.
The court heard how Summers had racked up debts of £20,000 but instead of paying what he owed with cash from the stolen items he gambled it away.
Prosecutor Katherine Stuckey said on December 29 last year the defendant walked in to Cash Converters in Market Street, Huddersfield and snatched a £300 necklace.
Summers, of Lister Street, Moldgreen, stole two bracelets from Yorkshire Jewellers, Market Avenue, worth £900 on January 7. All items were recovered. Four other offences were taken into consideration.
The court heard the offences were aggravated by a 12-week suspended sentence imposed in April for similar offences in Wakefield.
Ms Ruth Cranidge defending Summers, said it was the first time he has been in custody and it had been a “significant wake up call’.
Mr Recorder Judge Anton Lodge QC, told Summers: “Custody should not be the only thing that stops you offending.”
He sentenced Summers to six months custody. He must, in addition, serve the 12 weeks suspended sentence.
