Melvin Pace, 24, was today placed under probation for three years and fined €470 after he admitted to stealing almost €1,400 worth of gold jewellery from his mother's partner in 2007.

The court said it had considered that the accused had led a difficult life. His upbringing had not given him any advantages, although it was not wise to elaborate in public.

The accused had sold the gold items for some €500 in order to buy food, the court observed.

It added that the accused was currently following a Caritas programme to enable him to rebuild his life, and, the court said, it was accepting the probation officer's advice to impose a long supervision period.

"It is up to the accused to keep to the straight and narrow and to appreciate what others are doing for him," the court said.

He was however ordered to pay back the value of the jewellery as soon as he had the money.