A SERIAL thief from Selby who stole from his own family to pay off loan sharks has avoided jail.

Darren Phillips, 25, “was in dire financial straits” when he stole from his aunt, uncle and grandfather and sold the goods to pay off people who had “been pressuring hard” for money he owed them, York Crown Court heard.

Robert Galley, prosecuting, told the court that Phillips, of Cockret Road, Selby:

•Stole jewellery worth £1,200

•Stole a stash of books costing more than £5,700 from his uncle

•Fraudulently tried to access cash from his uncle’s bank account

•Burgled his grandfather’s house and stole cash.

Mr Galley said Phillips – who pleaded guilty to charges of theft, burglary and fraud – had a lengthy history of theft and dishonesty.

Defence barrister Paul Flemming said Phillips had gone on his theft spree to pay off people who had been pressuring for money he had owed. He also had spiralling personal debts and owed money on store cards. Mr Flemming said Phillips had now managed to control his debt and felt “a deep and genuine remorse” at his actions.

“The fact that he targeted the ones he loved is what is destroying him inside,” he said. “His behaviour to his family is clearly disgraceful but he is genuinely sorry,” he said.

Judge Roger Ibbotson told Phillips: “You have a record of proving yourself dishonest, but despite being given every opportunity, you have continued to offend.

Phillips was given a 24-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.