A SMASH and grab raid on an Ely jeweller s shop was carried out by binge drinker Stephen Neal after he consumed 10 pints of lager. Neal got away with around �400-worth of lockets and pendants, and caused more than �3,000-worth of damage to a window. Neal

A SMASH and grab raid on an Ely jeweller's shop was carried out by binge drinker Stephen Neal after he consumed 10 pints of lager.

Neal got away with around �400-worth of lockets and pendants, and caused more than �3,000-worth of damage to a window.

Neal used a red box to smash Fisher's window, he hid the stolen jewellery in a rucksack, and then walked to a nearby pub.

But three passers-by had seen Neal as he grabbed the jewellery from the Buttermarket premises, city magistrates heard on Thursday, and he was soon arrested.

Neal, 22, of High Barns, Ely, admitted committing the burglary on March 6. He was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and pay �500 compensation and �35 costs.

Prosecuting, Mika Pine said Neal "grabbed what he could reach" from the shop window before going to the Royal Standard pub. The jewellery was worth �401.50.

"This was not a sophisticated offence, he was heavily intoxicated," said solicitor Nick Barnes. "He did the smash-and-grab, and then went to the pub. Items were found in his rucksack; he co-operated with the police, and expressed remorse."

The self employed roofer had drunk the equivalent of 10 pints of lager before the burglary. Mr Barnes added: "He does not have a problem with alcohol; it was a one off incident after binge drinking.