A 16 year old was the prime mover in the theft of a £3,000 engagement ring his mother had found in Navan Shopping Centre and handed over to the authorities, Navan District Court heard yesterday.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted taking the ring after hearing his mother describe it to her family over tea.
He told Nigel Rennicks (21), of Abbeygrove, Navan, about the ring and Rennicks went to the shopping centre and claimed it was his. He described it and it was handed over.
In court last year they admitted the theft of the ring on October 8th last. Judge John Brophy said Rennicks was the lesser of the two defendants and placed him on probation. He advised him that if anyone suggested a similar "scam" again, to turn his back and walk away.
The 16 year old was further charged with stealing a mobile phone worth £299 on January 8th in Navan. He admitted the offence.
Judge Brophy said he was remanding him in custody for a week.