A callous crook who stole jewellery and cash from his friend’s family has been allowed to walk free from court.

Trenton Brangman snatched gold rings, a necklace and $300 in cash from Keivon Simon’s home after he had been given the keys to the property.

In a victim impact statement Mr Simons described Brangman as “a lying, manipulative leech” saying: “he only preys on the those who care for him.”

Mr Simons added: “He has offered to pay us back, but the monetary value does not account for the sentimental value of the items.”

The court heard that Brangman, 26, stole the jewellery worth $2,100 and the cash on July 2, last year.

He had been given the keys to the Simon’s family home to get a bike stand.

But instead he went into the bedroom and stole the items.

Brangman of St George’s pleased guilty to theft.

Yesterday at Magistrates’ Court Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo imposed a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Brangman was also put on probation for two years and ordered to complete 100 hours community service and pay $2,400 restitution,

He told the court: “I am very sorry for everything that happened.

“I feel my life has been a lot better since I got back together with my girlfriend and my son.”