DAVID Kendrick had everything - money, privilege and an idyllic upbringing in a £500,000 luxury home in an exclusive Cheshire village.

But his secret double life as a jealous petty crook was uncovered by a shocked next-door neighbour, who set up spy cameras to catch the thief who had plagued him for the previous five years.

Insurance broker David Owen decided to act when he returned from a trip to Scotland and discovered $100 he had saved up towards a holiday to America had gone missing.

He decided he would set a trap and spent £1,000 on camera equipment which he set up around his home. He had long suspected his next door neighbour's son, but could barely believe his eyes when the film proved he was right.

The tape was used to convict 19-year-old Kendrick, who admitted nine counts of theft when he appeared at Macclesfield magistrates court. He was ordered to complete 190 hours community service and told to pay £97 compensation and £50 costs.

Shock

The revelation of Kendrick's double life shocked neighbours near the teenager's Sand Lane detached home in Nether Alderley, near Alderley Edge.

He had been blessed with sporting ability and had been junior captain of Wilmslow Golf Club. Thanks to his wealthy accountant father John, he had also benefited from a privileged education at the renowned King's School in Macclesfield and is now studying at Bangor University.

A neighbour told the Manchester Evening News: ''It's so sad. He had everything he could have wished for.''

The 16-year friendship between the Kendricks and the Owens now lies in tatters, after Kendrick told police he was jealous of Mr Owen's eldest son Rhys.

Speaking after the case, Mr Owen said: ''I feel sorry for his parents. We have just tried to stay out of their way and leave it be.

''I did see his mum Susan in the village and I offered to sit down with her husband and talk about it, but I haven't heard from them since.''

He added: ''He had everything my Rhys had. He even got his first car before my son.

''I think it was just a good excuse. But I can't think why someone would do something like this. I have no personal feelings for the family, though.

''It's just sad that we have lived in this house for 16 years and they have been our neighbours virtually the whole time.''

Mr Owen added: ''When it was finally all over I had a strange feeling of elation mixed with disappointment. Deep down I was hoping it wouldn't be him.''

No one at the Kendrick household was available for comment yesterday.