A man who was praised for trying to resuscitate a dying woman later burgled her grieve stricken partner a court heard last month. Darren Brown, of Munden View, Meriden Estate, used a key he had been entrusted with to break into Dennis Chantler’s house, a supposed friend of is, in March this year.

. He stole £40 from a money jar and spent it on drugs (cocaine). The 35-year-old was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £87 in costs at Watford Magistrates Court. Brown had previously pleaded guilty to dwelling burglary. The pair became friends after the death of Mr Chantler’s fiancé, Inja Gong, as they both lived in the same high rise flats. Brown lives in the flat above Mr Chantler and on the night of Gong’s death he heard a disturbance from below. When he looked over his balcony he saw the body of Gong motionless on the ground, 12 floors down. He rushed down and tried to give CPR – however his efforts were in vain and Ms Gong sadly died. Her death was recorded as suicide and Brown was thanked for his efforts by a Hertfordshire coroner for his efforts in trying to resuscitate her. However, the court heard last month that the day after the inquest, Brown used the keys given to him to steal money while Mr Chantler was out at work. The key was given to him in case of emergency. Mr Chantler came home from work that day to find that his money jars had been moved and money had been taken from them. He contacted police and as a result, Brown was arrested. The money has since been given back to Mr Chantler. The court heard that Brown had signed up for a drug treatment programme but had become upset on the day of the crime, which resulted in him taking the money and buying the drugs. The 120 hours of unpaid work must be carried out of a 12-month period, with the lead Magistrate telling Brown his order had been reduced because he showed remorse and had already pleaded guilty.