Can't forgive himself

• Source: Global Times
• [08:27 November 19 2009]
• Comments

Jumping in front of a police car on November 8, a repentant burglar who'd already been forgiven by his  victim gave himself up and confessed 14 months after the crime in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province.

The conscience-stricken criminal, surnamed Zhen told police he'd been penniless when he broke into a  Jiangyin household on September 3, 2008.

But he was caught in the act by the occupant, Lu Meizhen who returned home and instead of panicking  convinced Zhen to drop his knife, have some dinner and a chat.

Lu promised to never to call the police and inspired by his forgiveness Zhen started life anew, though  still deeply troubled at what he had done.

He was sentenced to four years in prison, instead of the usual 10 years handed down for burglary.

Xinhua