A THIEF who stole gold and silverware from an elderly man and swiped £10 from a pub's tip jar has been jailed for three months.

Appearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday (December 7), Jamie Mobley, of Spring Gardens, Ventnor, admitted to two counts of theft.

Rod Blain, prosecuting, said Mobley, 38, had been drinking at the Old Fort, Seaview, when a member of staff saw him eyeing up the tip jar.

The court heard he asked her to call him a taxi and swiped two £5 notes when her back was turned. Mobley initially denied taking the money but handed it back when he was told the pub had CCTV.

Mr Blain said the defendant then made his way to the home of an 84-year-old, where his then girlfriend worked a live-in carer.

The court heard she let him in and told him to wait in the living room. Police, alerted by staff at the Old Fort, arrived at the property.

Mr Blain said police searched Mobley and found a gold cigarette holder, a gold-plated notebook and other gold and silverware from the room hidden in his pockets, bag and trouser leg.

Barry Arnett, defending, said his girlfriend had let him in as she was concerned for his welfare and called his mother.

Mr Arnett said Mobley was distressed at the time and had been taking medication that had not been prescribed to him.

The court heard Mobley had been diagnosed with a personality disorder, severe anxiety and depression.

Following his release from prison, for a previous offence, Mr Arnett said his client had hoped he would receive more mental health support.

Mr Arnett said Mobley had begged his support worker for help.

Judge John Price said: "You stole items from an elderly gentle man. Items which were very important to him."

Mobley, who has a long criminal record, was also fined £250.