Out-of-luck thief Paul Stiles was dumped by his long-term girlfriend just minutes before he was jailed for stealing his mum's holiday cash.

Louise Smith went to court with Stiles but walked out on him before he appeared before magistrates.

The court heard Stiles took $960 about £560 which was stashed away in a drawer at his mother's house in Magnolia Drive, Colchester.

Stiles told police he found the money while looking for the TV remote control last July. He insisted he only took $400 and meant to repay it.

Stiles, of Stourview Avenue, Mistley, admitted theft at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

Peter Young, mitigating, said Stiles had fallen behind with the rent on his flat after spending time in jail.

Stiles' on-off 11-year relationship with his girlfriend was described as 'a bit iffy'. She told a stunned Stiles she was kicking him out as he waited to appear in court.

Stiles was jailed for four months and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

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Published Monday, February 21, 2005

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