As part of what is the “most rigorous” form of non-custodial punishment, a young offender was told to write an apology letter for his crimes. Instead, he took the opportunity to mock and insult his victims.

After a 16-year old burglar, whose name has not been released, was arrested for his crimes he was put on put on an Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme as punishment. As part of the programme, offenders are instructed to write apology letters to ask forgiveness for their crimes. However, this young man did quite the opposite, his letter reads,

Dear Victim.

I don’t no why I am writing a letter to you! I have been forced to write this letter by ISSP.

To be honest I’m not bothered or sorry about the fact that I burgled your house. Basicly it was your own fault anyways. I’m going to run you through the dumb mistakes you made. Firstly you didn’t draw your curtains which most people now to do before they go to sleep.

Secondly your dumb you live in Stainburns a high risk burglary area and your thick enough to leave your downstairs kitchen window open. I wouldnt do that in a million years.

But anyways I don’t feel sorry for you and Im not going to show any sympath or remores.’

Charming. Not only does the letter illustrate his complete lack of literacy, but also his utter lack of remorse. Although it’s not altogether surprising, after all leading a life of crime requires a certain disregard of morals.

What was surprising were the responses. Chief inspector Melanie Jones said, “The contents of the letter are disgusting but it highlights the cold and dispassionate way burglars select a property to target.” Honestly, what did she expect? That burglars select houses based on some kind of ethical code?

And then there’s Local councillor Sharon Hamilton said: “How dare he? It’s not for him to be telling people how to look after their homes. He has no right to be breaking into their homes.” No, he doesn’t, that’s why he’s a thief. Also, seeing as he is a thief and knows how to break into homes, his ‘insider’ info could actually prove to quite useful in an effort to protect homes from future burglaries.

Either way, writing a letter is not the most effective relapse deterrent and I doubt this will be last time the cheeky thief strikes.

[Source: Daily Mail]