A construction worker who received thousands of dollars in jewellery claimed he had no idea it was stolen.

In Magistrates' Court yesterday, Cedric Simons pleaded guilty to acquiring a $3,500 gold chain, a $350 Coby DVD player and five charm pendants that belonged to his neighbour.

According to Crown counsel, Nicole R. Smith, Elizabeth Burrows left her house around 8 a.m. on December 9 and when she returned later she noticed her ring jar was upside down.

She called the Police and reported $11,845 worth of jewellery and the DVD player missing from her home.

The next day, Police called at Simons' home where they discovered some of the missing items including a tool box and a woman's ring.

When he was questioned by Police, Simons said he sold some of the items for $20 each because he was short on cash.

In court, yesterday, Simons apologised for his actions and said: "At the time I was laid off my job and I had money problems and I had relapsed a little on my drug problems. I feel stupid for it now."

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner ordered a social inquiry report and a BARC report for Simons who will return on January 28, next year for sentencing. He was then bailed for $2,000 and one surety.