A PLUMBER has been locked up for an £8,500 jewellery theft at a house where he was working.

Josh Kimpton, of Handel Walk, Colchester, stole from two jewellery boxes in a bedroom.

He was traced after leaving his fingerprints on the boxes, a court heard.

Kimpton’s boss came under suspicion when the property owners discovered what had happened.

Kimpton was told by a Chelmsford Crown Court judge it had been a serious breach of trust and an embarrassment to his employer. Kimpton, 20, was sent to a young offenders’ institution for ten months after admitting burglary.

The court heard Kimpton had worked at a house in Layer Road, Abberton, and was called back after a problem arose on September 4.

At one point, he got permission to go upstairs.

But when he saw the jewellery boxes, he stole items worth £8,500.

Prosecutor Mark Lakin said it had been a serious embarrassment for Kimpton’s boss, who was also under suspicion until the truth emerged.

Peter Barlex, mitigating, told the court Kimpton was stressed at the time as his partner was expecting their first child.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub, QC, told Kimpton he was expected by the owners and his employer to behave “like a proper professional’’.

The judge added: “You embarrassed your employer and one member of the working team came under suspicion for a short time. “It was a serious breach of your employers’ and the house owners’ trust.’’