A man who stole gold from his mother's partner to be able to eat was yesterday placed under probation for three years after the court acknowledged the difficulties he had faced in life so far.

Melvin Pace, 24, admitted to stealing about €1,400 worth of gold items between September and December 2007 and then sold it for about €500 in order to be able to buy food.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano said he had considered both the travails the accused had to endure and also the fact that his upbringing had not given him any advantage. The magistrate remarked he would not go into the details of the man's private life in respect to all those involved.

The court noted that Mr Pace was now following a Caritas drug rehabilitation programme and was working to rebuild his life. On the advice of the probation officer, the court opted to place Mr Pace under supervision.

Mr Pace was also ordered to repay the value of the items as soon as he had the money.