A MAN who smashed his way into Paddingtons model shop in Ventnor, just days after being bailed for a string of shoplifting offences, has been jailed.

Mark Booth-Pain, 40, of Spring Hill, Ventnor, admitted burglary and thefts as he appeared at Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing.

Prosecuting, Thomas Acworth told the court that just three days after being bailed for shoplifting, Booth-Pain broke into Paddingtons in the early hours of the morning and stole Dinky and Corgi models.

He later sold the collectable models for £270, telling the buyer he got them from his mother's attic.

When he sold them, they were soaking wet and only fetched a fraction of their true value, Mr Acworth said.

The person who bought the models knew the shop owners, Isle of Wight Councillor Shirley Smart and former Isle of Wight Councillor Harry Rees, and, suspecting the items had been stolen, called the police.

Co-owner of Paddingtons, Mrs Smart, said in a victim impact statement: “This incident affected us quite substantially.

"It could not have come at a worse time as we are both unwell, having been in hospital and are in rehabilitation in a nursing home.

"This has caused extra stress and worry in our lives when we are already struggling to recover.

"The shop has been closed and business has been lost.

"As a result of the loss of stock, we have lost around £3,000."

Mr Acworth told the court that Booth-Pain had a long criminal record with multiple incidences of theft and burglary.

He was on a community order at the time of these latest offences.

The court heard how Booth-Pain had a number of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD and agoraphobia.

Booth-Pain said he was not aware of the personal circumstances of the owners of the shop and is trying to take steps to address his mental health issues.

Judge Susan Evans said: "This was a very mean offence against people who were already having a difficult time.

"I take into account your ongoing mental health issues, including agoraphobia, but that didn't sop you going out and offending."

Booth-Pain was jailed for a total of 18 months.