A PROLIFIC criminal raided a New Forest jewellers making off with more than £30,000 in stock.

Lewis Bale dashed out the front door of Christopher Stephens Jewellers in Lyndhurst dropping jewellery in the road.

The 34-year-old had "protested his innocence" when a shop assistant saw five diamond rings were missing from the premises in the High Street.

A court heard how the father of two had run into a backroom and then "scuffled" with workers during the heist on December 15, 2018.

However, he was stopped by the shop owner and members of the public before being arrested.

Bale of Robinsons Grove, Longhedge near Salisbury appeared before Southampton Crown Court on Thursday charged with theft.

He previously pleaded guilty.

Prosecution barrister, Tim Devlin, told the court how Bale had been part of a trio during the "distraction theft".

Bale along with Caroline Johnson, 44, of Whitelaw Road, Southampton snatched items from a window display.

Meanwhile, Martin Poole, 49, of Rosemary Road, Poole had asked to "look at necklaces".

In total they stole around £32,000 of jewellery, however much of this was recovered having been dropped in the street, the raid is said to have caused around £750 in damage.

Bale has 37 convictions to 91 offences which include dishonesty, road matters and failing to surrender at court.

Defence barrister, Nick Robinson told how Bale had battled heroin addiction after losing his business.

He had owed someone £1,500 for drugs and felt threatened and exploited, but is now a changed person.

Bale had missed two previous court hearings claiming to be suffering from a chest infection.

Judge Christopher Parker QC jailed him for 18-months.

Although Johnson and Poole were able to escape the scene they were both previously jailed for 18-months for their part in the raid.