Its things like this that keep up one's beliefs in the essential humanity of all people...
BBC NEWS | England | Bristol | Thief sent 'sorry' letter to shop
Imran Ahmed, 27, who runs Raja Foods in St Marks Road, Easton, said he was stunned to open the remorseful letter.
It begins: "Dear Sirs, I am writing this letter to make amends to you for something I have done in the past."
Mr Ahmed said the thief's change of heart was "really good" and he intends to give the money to a drugs' charity.
The thief's letter continues: "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.
"At that time I was heavily using drugs and my life was in a mess, now I no longer use drugs and I strive 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, and this is why I am giving you back the money which I stole from you.
"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."
BBC NEWS | England | Bristol | Thief sent 'sorry' letter to shop
Imran Ahmed, 27, who runs Raja Foods in St Marks Road, Easton, said he was stunned to open the remorseful letter.
It begins: "Dear Sirs, I am writing this letter to make amends to you for something I have done in the past."
Mr Ahmed said the thief's change of heart was "really good" and he intends to give the money to a drugs' charity.
The thief's letter continues: "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.
"At that time I was heavily using drugs and my life was in a mess, now I no longer use drugs and I strive 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, and this is why I am giving you back the money which I stole from you.
"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."
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