A woman who stole a £3,300 diamond ring by swapping it for a "worthless" substitute in a jeweller's has been given an 18-month community order.

Kimbra Rees made the switch while an assistant's back was turned after asking to look at engagement rings.

The 41-year-old tried the same trick three weeks later with a diamond crucifix – but was caught red-handed by staff.

A jury found Rees, of Wilkes Gardens, Uppingham, Rutland, guilty of theft and attempted theft at a Leicester Crown Court trial.

Passing sentence, Recorder Geoffrey Solomons told her: "These weren't minor offences of shoplifting.

"They were aggravated by the fact you clearly targeted high-value goods and there was a significant degree of planning."

He said because of Rees's financial situation he was making no order for costs or compensation.

The court heard Rees, who denied the offences, went to PG Fine Jewellery, in High Street East, Uppingham, on March 22 last year asking to view rings worth between £5,000 and £6,000.

When sales assistant Natalie Burdett called another branch to see if they had some, Rees made the switch with a cheap costume ring.

Miss Burdett realised that the rings had been exchanged, but was unable to stop Rees leaving.

She told the jury: "Instantly, I noticed the most expensive ring, which was white gold with diamonds all the way around the band, was missing and had been replaced by something completely different. I was shocked."

Miss Burdett said she "panicked" and ran out of the shop to try and catch Rees. When she was unable to spot her, she called the police.

Rees returned later on April 11, asking to look at a selection of diamond crucifixes – but was caught trying to carry out a similar trick.

Paul Prior, defending, said Rees was receiving mental health treatment.

He said: "No violence or force was used. It was a trick."