Teen burglars say 'sorry' on card

Three of the teenagers appeared before a youth court for sentencing

Four teenage burglars returned stolen jewellery and cash to a house - along with £40 compensation and a signed card apologising for their actions.

The youngest, a 15-year-old, had confessed to his mother in Swansea and she helped them to try to make amends.

A youth court gave three referral orders. A fourth is to be sentenced.

One mother told the court she was "appalled" at finding out as the three, raised by single mothers, had been brought up to know right from wrong.

Chief magistrate Elliott Griffiths told them: "We have taken into account your obvious remorse."

The youth court heard that on 24 November last year the four teenagers broke into a house owned by a nurse in Gorseinon using a key.

They stole dress jewellery, a digital camera, £12 from a money box and one hundred South African rand.

Prosecuting Louise Thomas said the break-in had left the nurse and her 15-year-old daughter "shocked and scared" and "afraid to be in the house at night."

Very sorry for what we have done - it will never happen again What the card said

Six days later the daughter was in the house when a woman knocked on the door, told her she knew who had broken in and handed her £40 cash "in compensation".

The youngster asked if they could have their stolen property returned and a few days later everything, apart from the camera, was left outside the house along with a card signed by all four teenagers.

It said: "Very sorry for what we have done - it will never happen again."

Three of the teenagers - two aged 17 and the other 15 - were before the court for sentencing. They cannot be named because of their ages.

The other - now 18 - will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court later this month.

In mitigation Paul Warren said the three boys were of clean character.

"They realised it was a stupid thing to do but got caught up in the thrill of the situation," he said.

Your mothers have recognised that you have shown appalling behaviour and we completely agree with that sentiment Elliott Griffiths

He said the teenagers had made a "tidy search" of the house which had not been "ransacked" or "soiled".

"All three when interviewed by the police immediately admitted their guilt which shows they were clearly remorseful."

One of the boys told magistrates they had each contributed £10 to be handed over in compensation.

"It was stupid. I just did not think of the consequences," he added.

His mother said: "I've spent quite a lot of time talking to them - they are good kids really."

She said all three had been raised by single mothers and had been brought up to know right from wrong.

"I'm disappointed. Absolutely appalled. It's the first and last time you are going to see them here," she said.

Sentencing the teenagers, who must also pay £80 court costs each, Mr Griffiths added: "Your mothers have recognised that you have shown appalling behaviour and we completely agree with that sentiment."