A JEWELLER swindled a trusting elderly widow out of two treasured gemstones.

Neil Elliott, 39, took a ring from a woman in her 80s for repair and gave her back a botched copy with fake stones, a court heard.

The theft, to which he eventually pleaded guilty, was described by Judge David Selwood as a "miserable and mean offence". The ring has not been recovered.

Prosecutor David Jenkins told Ports-mouth Crown Court that 82-year-old Majorie Wanklin from Locks Heath, handed in the ring for the claw round one of the two diamonds to be fixed.

At the time Elliott was working in a converted garage behind a florist's shop in Middle Street, Park Gate, near Fareham.

He said it was particularly precious because she chose the gems for her engagement ring in 1943.

Mr Jenkins said: "She made several visits to his shop and he told her it wasn't ready. Then he told her the ring needed more work and that he would do it for a special price and it would all be all right."

The court heard that when she finally got the ring back, after paying £40, it wasn't the same one. The stones were at the wrong angle, the ring was described in court as "botched" with different kinds of gold and the unclear hallmarks.

Elliott did not admit the theft in his police interview or to the probation service, claiming there had been a muddle.

He pleaded not guilty at Winchester Crown Court, but later changed his plea to guilty.

In mitigation Anita Saran told the court her client fully accepted that he was wrong.

She told the court Elliott had since been offered a job by Portsmouth-based jewellery firm Gould's.

Judge Selwood said: "Surely that's like putting someone with a sweet tooth in a chocolate factory"

Elliott, who has three children, was ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service, pay £1,500 to Mrs Wanklin and £150 costs.

Lawrence Gould, who had offered Elliott the job without knowing about the background, today confirmed he would not be employing Elliott.

He said: "I'm grateful to the Daily Echo for telling me about the case. Neil Elliott will not be working here."

Mrs Wanklin said afterwards she was disappointed that the ring had never turned up and added that she thought the compensation should be higher.

"It's not the money really. I just wanted the ring back. It had great sentimental value."

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