Lewes burglar apologises to his victim

A convicted burglar from East Sussex has vowed never to commit another burglary again after meeting one of his victims.

The 26-year-old man pleaded guilty to the break-in in Lewes in February 2009 and was sentenced to more than two years in prison.

He said he was shocked to learn that the victim, his partner and young son were in the house at the time.

After being released from jail he said he wanted to apologise to the victim.

Sussex Police arranged for the meeting between the burglar and his victim and said it was the first time "restorative justice" had been used in the Lewes district.

'Apologised immediately'

PC Jason Taylor said: "The offender was quite anxious and nervous before the conference

"The offender apologised immediately to the victim for what he had done.

"The victim talked about the effect the burglary had had on him and his partner and how they feared they could be targeted again.

The burglar and two accomplices broken into the house before being told to leave by the victim.

Mr Taylor said: "Afterwards he said he would never commit another burglary as a result of the meeting his victim."