According to a police statement, Timothy Jarvis, 45, of Farthings Hill, was found guilty of the theft of jewellery belonging to a client of his, which had been lodged with the company which he was then director of (Jarvis of St James').

The statement adds that the items of high value jewellery were to be advertised for sale by Mr. Jarvis at various horse shows both in the UK and Europe.

However, when the owner of the items asked for their return, he was told that they had been stolen and that the matter would be resolved via Jarvis's insurance company .

Police say that, in fact, Mr Jarvis had no insurance and the matter had never been reported to them.

The items of jewellery were never recovered and Mr Jarvis was convicted after a trial of their theft. One other male was found not guilty.

The £39,000 that Mr Jarvis has been ordered to pay to the court is as a result of a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) Confiscation Order.

Mr Jarvis has been given six months to pay this sum, or face serving a term of 15 months imprisonment, but he would then still be liable for the full payment under the terms of the order.

The officer in the case, DC Chris Howbery-Gale said: "This was a lengthy investigation, the conviction of Mr Jarvis, the subsequent loss of his appeal, and the order made against him is clear evidence of the fact that the Courts will make offenders pay.

"The victim is to be compensated for his loss, unfortunately the sentimental value of the items can never be replaced."

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