TWO Newport men were involved in stealing a £7,250 diamond ring from a jeweller's shop.

One of the men, Ryan Crooks, 20, from Newport, was sentenced to 12 months detention at a young offenders institution last week.

But the other, Leroy Allen, 23, failed to turn up for sentencing at Bradford Crown Court, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The pair, together with Simon Orr, 32, from Manchester raided a jewellery store in Huddersfield last week.

They snatched a diamond ring from Fillian's jewellers last June.

In a three-man operation, Orr went into the shop first to look around as a reconaissance move.

Then 22 minutes later, Allen went in wearing a suit and trainers, and asked to look at an American International eternity ring from the window display.

The ring was taken out from the window, when Crooks appeared at the door asking to be let in.

As the door opened, Allen fled with the diamond ring, worth £7,250.

Crooks remained in the shop, pretending to be an innocent witness, but left false details with the store owners.

Crooks and Orr initially denied the theft, but a jury at Bradford Crown Court found them guilty within two hours. Allen admitted snatching the ring.

Last week Crooks was sentenced to 12 months detention at a young offenders institution and was banned from driving for 12 months. Orr was sentenced to 10 months jail.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Allen, who failed to turn up at court.