A WORTLEY man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of stealing underwear from a property.

Joshua Wetton, 26, of The Avenue, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday and handed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He was also told to attend 25 rehabilitation days, conduct 150 hours of unpaid work, given a five-year restraining order, told to pay £400 in compensation and a victim surcharge of £187.

A victim statement read out in court, seen by the Chronicle, states: “Ever since our burglary of underwear items which are so very personal, I have felt completely violated, extremely anxious and totally repulsed by this disturbing pre-planned crime.

“When we realised what had been stolen, I feared for my daughter’s safety and did not want her to be left alone in our property dreading that he may still be watching our house.

“My daughter will not be left alone in our property, nor will she go to certain public places on her own.

“She used to go out running but will not run alone now.

“All of this makes me extremely sad.

“I get angry when I go into my daughter’s bedroom always thinking he has been in here rummaging through her personal items.

“We have spent thousands of pounds upgrading our security system just to feel more safe and secure.

“I lost weight from the constant worry and anxiety, I have never experienced this type of fear before.

“I have contacted victim support for additional support.

“I have spoken to friends and family about what has happened, and they have all been extremely supportive.”