A THIEF stole and pawned sentimental jewellery from his ex-girlfriend after appearing in her bedroom in the middle of the night.

Burnley magistrates heard how paranoid schizophrenic Daryl Hopkins, 33, took a gold chain bought for Tamsin Ashworth by her son, who died last November, as well as other items given to her by family and friends.

Hopkins, of Edgeworth Road, Burnley, admitted theft. He was given a 12-month community order, with supervision and must pay £244 compensation.

Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, said Miss Ashworth had fallen asleep, but became aware of the defendant sitting on her bed. Hopkins said he just wanted to talk to her.

Miss Ashworth had been taking medication to help her sleep since her son's death and the defendant wanted her to stay awake, the court heard.

She wore several chains around her neck and rings on her fingers and Miss Ashworth asked Hopkins to take off her chains. She also took off her rings and put them on a bedside cabinet.

Mrs Chappell said the following morning, the victim awoke about 8.30am, realised the defendant was no longer there and that her jewellery was missing. Her coat and a SIM card had also gone.

The prosecutor said a friend then rang Miss Ashworth to say Hopkins had been trying to sell some jewellery to her and had said he was going to go to Cash Converters.

Mrs Chappell said police went to the shop and recovered the jewellery. Hopkins told police he did not remember much because of his mental health.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Hopkins had paranoid schizophrenia, was on disability benefits and received help from the mental health team.