A LLANDYBIE mother has forgiven her disabled son after he admitted stealing her jewellery to feed an out-of-control gambling addiction, a court has been told.

Llanelli magistrates heard howNicola Munroe, who was present in court, was “completely supportive” of the 22-year-old, who has cystic fibrosis.

The court was told how Gareth Iwan Morgan- Price had taken gold and silver necklaces and bracelets valued at £480 from a jewellery box in the bedroom of his mum’s Ammanford Road home.

He pawned the items for £290 to meet his spiralling debts.

Magistrates were told how Mrs Munroe discovered the theft on March 16, 2012, but her son’s condition meant the case was delayed until now.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said that even before forensic fingerprinting tests pinpointed Morgan- Price,MrsMunroe had suspected her son.

After his arrest,Morgan- Price, who spends three weeks in hospital every five weeks due to his condition and is housebound for long periods, admitted the theft, claiming he needed the money to pay off “friends and family”.

Magistrates were told he had a history of theft and dishonesty. Andrew Isaacs, defending, said Morgan-Price was “a young man with a lifethreatening illness”.

“He suffers significant breathing problems and rarely leaves homes,” said Mr Isaacs. “He also suffers from depression due to his health and the medication he has to take.

“He sincerely regrets what happened – he apologises not only to the court but also to his family for bringing shame on himself and them.”

Mr Isaacs said mother andsonhave since “patched up” their differences.

Magistrates granted Morgan-Price a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered he pay £85 court costs and a further £15 legal surcharge.

Mrs Munroe refused to apply for compensation.