Better late than never.. Former thief says 'sorry' seven years after he stole from a shop
Last updated 11/10/2008 9:46:38 AM
Former thief says sorry seven years after he stole from a shop
It's never too late to say you're sorry as a former drug addict has shown by apologising seven years after he stole cigarettes from a shop.
The extraordinary yet inspiring letter addressed to Raja Foods in Bristol began: "Dear Sirs, I am writing this letter to make amends to you for something I have done in the past.
"About seven years ago I was walking past your shop late one night when I noticed that someone had broken into it. I used this opportunity to enter your shop where I stole 400 cigarettes. The money enclosed (£100) is to pay for those cigarettes which I stole from you."
The letter explained that at the time the writer was heavily using drugs and his "life was in a mess." But he no longer used drugs and strived to lead a decent and honest life.
"As part of my ongoing recovery I try to put right all of the wrongs I have done in the past, at least where I can," he said. This is why I am giving you back the money which I stole from you."
He concluded: "I regret the harm I caused you in the past and I sincerely apologise to you for it. I was very wrong to do this and I hope that returning the money will make up for this harm, at least in some small way."
Imran Ahmed, 27, who runs the shop said he was impressed by the thief's change of heart. And on a further optimistic note, the trader intends to give the returned money to a drugs support charity.