Guilty conscience

[Gob]

A burglar with a guilty conscience returned to a family's home almost a year later to confess his crime and offer them money, a court has heard.



Lee Bowen, 27, turned up on the family's doorstep in Merthyr Tydfil, saying: "I'm very sorry. Here's £400."

But the family reported him to police who arrested him the next day.

Bowen, of Penydarren, pleaded guilty to burglary at Merthyr Crown Court where he was given a community order and told to pay his victims £700.

The court heard Bowen had been trying to turn over a new leaf, but the family said it was not enough to make up for his break-in.

He had burgled their home while they slept inside, taking mobile phones, a laptop, cash and bank cards.

But in November - almost a year after the New Year's Eve burglary - he returned to the house to confess.

Homeowner Jason Williams said the money was "no compensation" for what Bowen had put his family through.

Following his arrest, Bowen admitted everything to the police.

The court heard he had appeared in court 19 times for 45 offences, including six previous house burglaries.

Andrew Davies, defending, said: "Although a habitual criminal he is trying to get his life on track. He is attempting to turn his life around."

[Lord Jim]

Well, call me a thug hugger, but I'd be willing to cut this guy a little slack...

He genuinely does seem to be trying to "turn his life around"...his actions would seem to indicate it's not just an act...

400 is probably not enough, but assuming it was a burglary with no physical confrontation, if I were Mr. Williams I'd be inclined to let him pay off an agreed sum on a payment schedule...

Even though I'd be absolutely infuriated about the invasion of the sanctity of my home, and want him punished for that, upon calmer reflection I would probably realize that it's fairly remarkable for a person to come forward like this, with absolutely nothing to gain by doing so...

[oldr_n_wsr]

I wonder if he is doing his ninth step?
Eaither was, good for him with the attempt.