But Chawood, described by police as having an extensive criminal history for property offences and dishonesty, helped himself to a ring belonging to her.

When he returned to Albury, he pawned it in Lavington for just $20.

Chawood, 32, of Kurrajong Crescent, pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court yesterday to charges of stealing property from a dwelling and providing false information to a pawn broker.

A charge of goods in custody was withdrawn by police prosecutor Sergeant Shannon Lewis.

Magistrate Tony Murray ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned Chawood’s case until July 29.

Mr Murray said community service could not be considered as a penalty unless Chawood was deemed suitable.

Chawood took the ring from a drawer in a bedroom on April 24 last year and the following day his foster cousin took him to catch a train.

She noticed the ring missing on May 3 and reported the matter to police.

Police regularly check pawnbroker outlets for stolen property and discovered the ring with five mounted stones was pawned at premises in Urana Road in Lavington on May 9.

Chawood provided a contact phone number and gave a North Albury address in Curlew Crescent.

He signed a statement saying he was not the owner, but nominated a woman as the owner of the ring.

Police put a notice on the ring prohibiting its disposal and seized closed circuit footage which showed the transaction.

Officers tried to locate Chawood, but the address he provided was vacant.

They made several unsuccessful attempts to contact him until they found him this year.