They used to be best friends, celebrating each other's achievements in life together.

But Jo Boynton destroyed her friendship with Leah Muchmore when she stole her diamond engagement ring and took it back to the shop for a refund, pocketing the £1,100.

Boynton, who was once head girl at the former Chapter School in Strood, took the ring a few days after Miss Muchmore had received it from her fiance John Harper.

Boynton, of Florence Street, Strood, had gone to the jewellers, Ernest Jones, in Chatham, with Mr Harper just days before to help him pick the perfect ring.

She appeared before Medway magistrates, who gave her a three-year conditional discharge, after she pleaded guilty to fraud and theft, and ordered her to pay £85 costs.

Miss Muchmore, 23, was in court for the hearing and said afterwards she felt let down by the justice system.

"It feels like she's been let off," she said.

"In court, she said she took the money as she had bailiff debts of £900, but she never spoke to me or John about her debts, in court was the first time I'd heard of them.

"If she'd talked to us about money problems, we would have helped her out.

"She is vile. I trusted her and she did this, it's disgusting."

The court heard the two friends had gone to the park with their young daughters and Boynton had suggested to Miss Muchmore that she should take the ring off in case she lost it.

Miss Muchmore said: "The ring was two sizes too big, but I had put plasters around it so it wouldn't come off.

"I'd danced the night away at my engagement party, which she helped us plan, and it never came off then.

"she took it out of my bag and left me there searching for it, saying she had to go because she and her daughter was not well."
– leah muchmore

"She claimed in court the ring fell out of my bag when the pushchair fell over, but I know that's not the case.

"She took it out of my bag and left me there searching for it saying she had to go because she and her daughter was not well."

Boynton went to the shop and got a refund as she still had all the paperwork from the sale because Mr Harper, who is serving with the Royal Navy, had asked her to look after it.

The shop didn't have £1,100 in the till at the time, but later paid the money into Boynton's bank account.

After Miss Muchmore realised what Boynton had done, she called police. Boynton sent her a text message begging her former friend not to report the matter.

Miss Muchmore added: "She left a huge black mark on our whole engagement. It's meant to be one of the most happiest days of my life, but it's tainted now."