A MAN who admitted stealing a number of glass vases from Spinnakers Gallery, High Street, Crediton, escaped a prison sentence due to the leniency of Exeter Magistrates' Court.

Alan Gregory Webber (18), of High Street, Crediton, appeared before the court on Tuesday, March 22.

He faced four charges of shoplifting.

One of the vases he stole was a distinctive hand-blown piece by artist Peter Layton.

The item, worth £550, was pictured on the February 4, 2011, issue of the "Crediton Country Courier".

Webber was also charged with stealing three other vases, two worth £120 each and one worth £55.

He was caught after a woman who bought the vases from him for a fraction of their real price later read about the shoplifting raid in the Crediton Country Courier, and returned the items to the shop.

The owner of the shop said that on the occasions that the glassware went missing, the accused and the same accomplice used distraction techniques in the shop.

The magistrates were told that the defendant had mental health problems and learning difficulties and had been caring for his mother, who has serious mental health problems.

Financial issues were cited by Webber's defence for his actions.

Magistrates told Webber: "We understand the difficulties that you have got into.

"Taking other people's property is not the way out.

"There are a number of people who can help the situation that you are in."

Webber was sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge.

Alan Quick