CAREER criminal Mathew John Barker proved he was no Frodo Baggins after failing a judge's quest to retrieve a precious ring.

But unlike JRR Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, Lord of the Rings, there would be no triumph over evil - and the 26-year-old was promptly jailed for three years.

Barker had previously accepted Judge Christopher Prince's quest to restore the stolen Star of David ring to its rightful owner.

The ring, described as having "great sentimental value" to the burgled householder, was among £1,800 worth of property taken during a break-in at a house in St Helen Auckland, County Durham, on September 22.

Judge Prince had said he would make “no promises” but it could “reflect” his final sentence if Barker could furnish information as to the fate of the ring.

Barker, of Lambton Road, Ferryhill, appeared via video link from Durham Prison, for today’s (Friday February 26) sentencing hearing.

The judge immediately asked about the success of his quest, despite Barker being remanded in custody since the last hearing.

David Lamb, mitigating, said Barker had provided the name of a second-hand shop in Crook and the first name of a person involved in the transaction to police, who had made inquiries, but the ring is yet to be retrieved.

Barker admitted burglary at the previous Durham Crown Court hearing, which heard fingerprint evidence linked him to the crime.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said an untidy search was made of all rooms in the house, before the intruders left with i-pads, mobile phones and computer games equipment. They also took jewellery, including the ring, which had belonged to the woman's late mother.

He said Barker was said to have gone to a friend’s home trying to sell stolen computer games equipment for £220, just two hours later.

Mr Dryden said apart from the sentimental value of the loss, the victim had difficulty sleeping and felt generally “uneasy” in her own home, following the burglary.

Judge Prince said he still holds out the hope someone would pass on information which may lead to the return of the ring to its rightful owner.

He added that the sentence would have been one of four years behind bars, but for Barker’s admissions at the previous hearing.

He reduced it by a quarter as credit for the guilty plea, making the final sentence one of three years.