Burglar Strikes Victim's Home Twice, Leaves Apology Note After ?1,000 Theft

In a stunning display of remorse, a thief broke into a victim's house not once but twice, stealing items valued at ?1,000. However, what sets this criminal apart is the act of compassion that followed the thefts.?

Before making his hasty escape, the burglar took a moment to scribble down a heartfelt apology note for the victim.?

Simon Tolley, a 39-year-old burglar, broke into the victim's house for the second time and stole items valued at ?1,000. Among the stolen items were a television, a pit bike, a purse, and a bank card.

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Before escaping, Tolley quickly wrote an apology note for the victim.

The victim, who resided at an address in Ryder Road, Meir, was moving when Tolley targeted her home on two separate occasions in December, according to StokeonTrentLive.

According to prosecutor Giles Pengelly, the victim had locked her address securely on December 11, with some of her belongings still inside.

However, upon her return the next day, she discovered that her home had been robbed and that her purse, containing ?200 in cash and a bank card, was missing.

On December 14, the victim's cousin noticed that more items were missing from the house, including a television, a drill, a pit bike, and make-up. This time, there was a note.

According to Mr. Pengelly, who spoke at the Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the letter said,?"I am sorry."?

The victim received notifications on her phone that her bank card had been used for an ?11.25 transaction and another for ?125, which was still pending.

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Tolley then attempted to sell the pit bike to the victim's neighbors, who informed her about the burglary. After conducting a few inquiries on Facebook, the victim contacted Tolley directly. He admitted to using the stolen card and offered to reimburse the amount he had spent.

Tolley, who had no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two burglary and fraud charges.

Simon Tolley has received a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. In his defense, Steve Hennessy argued that Tolley had previously established and operated his own business successfully for a decade.?

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However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he lost his business.?

Consequently, Tolley experienced a decline in his home and family life, leading him to become homeless and resort to drug use.

Mr. Hennessy stated that Tolley has since overcome his drug addiction and strongly desires to rebuild his family relationship and revive his business.

Recorder Julian Taylor said, ?‘Things have gone from bad to worse for you. You did pretty well for a long period of time. Things collapsed around you, and you got addicted to monkey dust.

‘How would you feel if your house was burgled? You would be upset, as was this complainant. Not just once, but twice. You burgled the garden shed for good measure.

‘I am going to give you a chance. Get your act together.’

The presiding judge acknowledged the impact of Tolley's actions on the victim and urged him to seize the opportunity for personal change and improvement.

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