Meanwhile... A Burglar Sends USD170 And An Apology Note Some 22 Years later
The owners of a Cheshire pub have been sent a cheque to apologise for a burglary that took place 22 years ago. Their response is equally heartwarming.
By Sadho Ram — 01 Jul 2014, 07:57 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
A pub landlady has received a £100 (USD170) cheque, and a note saying "sorry", from a woman involved in a burglary there more than 20 years ago
Frances Cunningham, landlady of the Swttenham Arms in Congleton, Cheshire, and her husband were sent the payment, complete with a note from a woman apologising for the "cruel" break-in in 1992.
The note, whose author has not been named, said: "To Mr and Mrs Cunningham, I was involved in a burglary at your business in 1992 approximately
"I didn't break in or smash up the cigarette machine, but I was there and I went in. I'm very, very sorry. I did not realise the seriousness of my actions at the time."
telegraph.co.ukThe note goes on: "I had been through a lot and had no idea where to get help. I am so ashamed and sad because of the fear it may have induced and the cost and time. I wish I could take it back a lot, I hope that you will never be bothered by such cruelty ever again."
The letter, sent by recorded delivery, finished: "P.S. If there are any further costs, let me know".
telegraph.co.ukMrs Cunningham said she remembered the break-in, which happened before the couple bought the pub at auction in 1993, "vaguely", but that her son recalled problems with the cigarette machine
She added: "This came as a complete and absolute surprise, to me to open the envelope and to have a cheque for £100. This lady's been worried about this all this time, and so much so that she has dacided now to send me a cheque and hope that she will be forgiven."
telegraph.co.uk"And I shall most definitely write back to her and say please don't worry about this any more because your honesty now makes up for more than that. The thing is then is what do I do with the cheque because strictly speaking the money in the machine wouldn't have been mine anyway ... because it belongs to the people who put the machine in."
She concluded that she would donate the money to the local church, who were always short of money
Mrs Cunningham added: "Would't it be a lovely world if everybody did this now, if we all started sending or returning gifts?"
telegraph.co.uk