‘Tough sentence’ for Rotherham gem thief ruled ‘fair’

Reitan Muntean (37), struck at Denhams in Market Harborough, in a “sophisticated and carefully planned raid”.

He and his two female accomplices distracted staff by asking to see trays of jewellery and producing wads of cash.

However, the trio slipped away, taking gems and jewellery worth £6,250 with them.

The raid had a devastating impact on the shop and its staff, Lady Justice Sharp told London’s Appeal Court.

The store's insurance premiums were driven upwards and staff were left feeling vulnerable and suspicious.

Muntean, of Bethel Road, Rotherham, also committed a similar “distraction” theft at Pandora’s jewellers in Blackburn, when he made off with a £795 ring.

Staff at Pandora’s were also traumatised by the raid and had yet to get over it, the court heard.

Muntean was jailed for two years at Leicester Crown Court in July after admitting two counts of theft.

His case reached the Appeal Court this week as he pleaded for a cut in his sentence.

But Lady Justice Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Kenneth Parker and Judge Anthony Leonard QC, said he got what he deserved.

“These were two highly sophisticated and meticulously planned and executed diversion thefts,” said the judge.

Muntean had also not shown a shred of “insight or remorse,” she added.

Staff were disturbed by the knowledge that raiders had “targeted their shops” and were “still upset” by what happened.

“This sentence was entirely appropriate,” concluded the judge, dismissing the appeal.