A 41-year-old man from Newtownabbey has been sentenced to one month in prison after he admitted stealing jewellery from his partner to fund a drug habit.

Darren Stephen Ryles, of Mill Grange, took items worth £1,100 during May. The stolen goods included a gold engagement ring, a gold necklace, and a gold bracelet.

The theft emerged after police were called to a domestic incident at an address in Portglenone on 2 June. Officers found a verbal argument between Ryles and his partner, but the defendant had already left. The complainant told police he had taken her jewellery to pay for drugs.

At a hearing, Ryles pleaded guilty to the charge via video link from Maghaberry Prison. District Judge Conor Heaney heard details of the case.

The prosecution applied for a compensation order. A defence lawyer said the relationship involved domestic abuse and noted that Ryles had a productive working life until recent years, when he developed an addiction.

Judge Heaney imposed a one-month jail term and a £25 offender levy. He also ordered Ryles to pay £1,100 in compensation, allowing 20 weeks to settle the amount. No restraining order was made.

Ryles has been in custody since the incident.