The son of Hertsmere Borough Councillors Jean and Martin Heywood has pleaded guilty to stealing two gold rings and foreign currency while working as a trainee carpet fitter at a house in Hertford.

Mark Heywood, who is living with his grandmother in Well Road, Barnet, took the jewellery and Spanish notes worth nearly £11, from a bedroom in December, a court was told on Monday.

Heywood was due to be sentenced last month but the case was again adjourned when Hertford magistrates heard he failed to keep appointments with the probation service. He was further remanded on bail to appear at Cheshunt court on March 20.

The court was told that Heywood was also in breach of an 80-hour community service order imposed by Watford magistrates for offences of deception and attempted deception involving a stolen credit card.

Vivien Goddard, prosecuting, said Heywood and a work mate were left alone in the house to fit bedroom carpets while the owner Helen Flemming and her husband were at work. But when Mrs Flemming returned she found rings and money missing.

When interviewed by police Heywood admitted stealing the property. Mrs Goddard said the rings were later recovered from the home of Heywood's girlfriend.

Richard Galley, defending, said the theft was a stupid spur of the moment offence. Heywood's record of offending had caused great distress to his family and had led to a breakdown in his relationship with his parents, the court was told.

Magistrates heard he was currently working at an Iceland frozen food store earning approximately £180 net a week.

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