Stolen cheque paid for breast op

Derek Bryant stole a cheque to pay for breast implants

A handyman stole a cheque for £9,000 to pay for breast implants for his girlfriend who had "an obsession" with cosmetic surgery.

But after she had the operation, Leanne Howells ended her relationship with 33-year-old Derek Bryant when she found out that the money was stolen.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Bryant had promised to pay for his girlfriend's £3,400 breast surgery.

He stole a pre-signed cheque from Cardiff-based company International Academy and made it out to Miss Howells.

But the father-of-two, who admitted forgery and theft in court, was charged after his fingerprints were found on the recovered cheque.

She had something of an obsession, if not a desire, to have some form of cosmetic surgery

Leighton Hughes, defending lawyer

Miss Howells left Bryant after finding out about the charges against him.

Leighton Hughes, defending, said Bryant had met Miss Howells after his marriage broke down last year.

"She was not without her charms," Mr Hughes said.

"But she had something of an obsession, if not a desire, to have some form of cosmetic surgery.

"The relationship was flourishing. His actions ultimately cost him the relationship.

"She finished it as soon as the truth of this came to light.

Leanne Howells had breast implants costing £3,400

"She must have had no knowledge of the suspicious circumstances."

Prosecutor Jane Rowley told the court that Bryant, of Cilfynydd, near Pontypridd, took the cheque from the office of the company's chief executive in August last year.

A security guard left Bryant alone in reception when he went to lock up and found him in the first floor office when he returned, she said.

"The company's finance manager noticed that one of the cheques was missing," Miss Rowley said.

"This cheque had been pre-signed.

"The bank confirmed that a cheque in the sum of £9,000 had been issued to an LS Howells.

"Further inquiries revealed that the identity of the LS Howells was the defendant's girlfriend Leanne Howells.

"It became clear from further inquiries that the defendant had offered to fund cosmetic surgery for her."

The case was adjourned for sentence next week. Judge Michael Farmer QC warned Bryant he faced a possible prison term.