A plumber who stole £3,000 from a flat he was working in has been ordered to pay the money back to his victim.

Marlon Stevens-Joslin, 42, of Burnt Oak Fields near Edgware, took the money from a property in Watling Street in Radlett, St Albans Crown Court heard.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says the money was taken from the flat on July 9 2019 and that forensic officers were able to link the plumber to the burglary.

Police say Stevens-Joslin initially visited the the property June 4 2019 to carry out work, and later uncovered evidence on his mobile phone of photos taken of the flat window on June 19, when the plumber had no reason to be at the flat on that day.

After the burglary was reported, the court heard a small amount of the plumber's blood was found at the scene which linked him to a window being smashed during the break-in.

Detective Constable Ian Waldock said: "When we invite tradespeople into our homes to carry out work, we trust that they are there just to do their job, not to plan a burglary. Stevens-Joslin abused that trust.

"The victim was saving the money he stole for further education and to support her family. News of his conviction will also make it difficult for him to gain future employment as a plumber entering homes."

Stevens-Joslin was found guilty in court in February of burglary and he was sentenced on March 22.

He received a two year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was given a six-month curfew order to be at home between 11pm and 5am.

The plumber was also ordered to pay £3,000 in compensation to the victim, as well as £1,000 in court costs.

DC Waldock added: "If Stevens-Joslin had been jailed immediately there would have been very little chance of her getting any of the money back.

"If Stevens-Joslin commits any other crimes during his suspended sentence period or fails to pay the compensation he will face the prospect of prison."