A TEENAGER who stole from a family that took him in when he was homeless has been sentenced to 15 months in youth custody.

Christopher Dicker, 18, also burgled a five-bedroomed house in Maple Road, Harpenden, St Albans Crown Court heard yesterday (Thursday).

Mr Michael Gregory, prosecuting, said Dicker was friendly with the son of the family who lived in Tintern Close, Harpenden.

'From February until April this year he went to live with them and was treated like a son. He was fed and occasionally given sums of money,' he said.

But in April it was discovered that some jewellery, a clock and camera had gone missing.

Dicker was before the court for sentencing after admitting the theft and burglary before magistrates last month.

Mr Stephen Alfred, defending, said: 'This is not going to be a sob story. He knows he is going into custody.'

Judge Seddon Cripps told him: 'You have ignored the chances given to you in the past.'