Priceless mementos taken in family betrayal
A man from Kirkby has been jailed after stealing sentimental jewellery from his own mother’s bedroom and pawning it in town. Joseph Brice, 41, was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars after admitting a string of theft and fraud offences.
Locket of late mother among stolen items
The court heard how, between January and April this year, a woman reported several personal items missing from her bedroom. Among them was a necklace containing a locket of her late mother – an irreplaceable keepsake of deep emotional value.
Investigators later discovered that her own son, Joseph Brice, had taken the items and sold them at a pawn shop in Kirkby town centre. Officers managed to track down and recover all the stolen jewellery, which has since been returned to the victim.
Community left shocked by betrayal
Brice, of Crosland Street in Southdene, was charged with three counts of theft from a dwelling and three counts of fraud. He pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 13 October.
Constable Miller, who led the investigation, said: “To steal from the home of your own mother is despicable in the extreme. We hope Brice takes stock of his life while serving this sentence. I’m sure the Kirkby community will share our disgust at his behaviour.”
Police urge public to report stolen goods
The stolen items were described as “priceless in sentimental value,” and police acknowledged the emotional toll the crime had taken on the victim. Officers have urged anyone with information about thefts or the suspected sale of stolen goods to come forward.
“We take all reports of theft extremely seriously,” Constable Miller added. “If you know something, say something. We will continue to take positive action.”
