A SALES assistant convicted of stealing nine diamond rings from Tiffany and Co is being sued for more than $212,000.

Ko Pui-wa was employed by the jewellers at a shop in Pacific Place and is said to have stolen the rings, sold them, and then pocketed the proceeds in 1998 and 1999, according to a High Court writ.

The writ says Ko was convicted of nine theft charges in June, and sentenced to 240 hours' community service. Ko has given back $30,000 but the rings are worth $242,744 and the company is suing for the balance.