A HOTEL worker has avoided an immediate spell behind bars after stealing jewellery from the hotel rooms of two guests.

Brian Albert Riley, of Longridge, was working at the Cottons Hotel and Spa in Manchester Road when he carried out the thefts.

The 26-year-old stole an opal pendant and opal earrings, of an unknown value, from the room where a female guest was staying in November last year.

The jewellery thief then entered the room of another guest and stole an engagement ring worth £2,000.

Riley pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared at Stockport Magistrates Court on January 10.

He returned to the same court on Wednesday, March 9, to be sentenced.

Although the opal pendant and opal earrings were recovered and returned to their owner, the engagement ring has never been found.

Magistrates handed Riley a 26-week prison sentence, but suspended that for a period of two years.

He will complete 10 rehabilitation days and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Riley was also ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to the owner of the engagement ring and £100 to the other.