A local man has today been jailed for 20 weeks after stealing £91,210 of gold chains from a jewellery shop on Main Street – following an RGP investigation.

Riyen Lea, 37, of no fixed place of abode, was sentenced at the Magistrates’ Court today after pleading guilty to one charge of Theft.

The court heard that just after 2pm last Saturday the 8th of February, Lea entered Essardas Luxury and asked staff if he could view some gold chains within the price range of £6,000 to £7,000.

Whilst viewing a roll of 30 gold chains, he suddenly snatched the roll from the owner’s hands, causing one of the chains to break off and fall to the floor. He then ran out of the shop in the direction of Casemates Square. Several shop workers chased after him.

The RGP were informed that the suspect ran up Crutchett’s Ramp. Officers then arrived in the area of the Moorish Castle and following directions from one of the shop workers who chased him, found Lea trying to hide within Ince’s House.

Lea was heavily out of breath and several gold chains could be seen hanging out of his clothing. He was then arrested on suspicion of Theft and taken to New Mole House Police Station.

He was later charged with the theft of 29 gold chains, which were all recovered.