A FATHER-of-two who stole an antique diamond ring from a Dublin shop has been given a three-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

John O'Keefe (50) of Portland Place, Fitzgibbon Street in Dublin, pleaded guilty to stealing a three-stone claw cut 1.14 carat diamond ring from Monte Cristo in Powerscourt Shopping Centre on November 17, 2008.

Garda Conor O Bhriodan told Fiona Murphy BL, prosecuting, that the owner of the antique shop noticed the diamond ring was missing.

Gardai carried out a full search of O'Keefe's home, and two days later O'Keefe handed over the ring at Store Street Garda Station.

hnews@herald.ie