Judge gives thief new Bible, four months in jail

dpa German Press Agency Published: Tuesday October 9, 2007

Singapore- A thief who stole a Bible was given his own copy
of the Christian scriptures by a Singapore district judge, who then
sentenced the man to four months in prison, news reports said
Wednesday.
Tan Jit Liang, 26, was told by Judge Bala Reddy to open his gift
to the Old Testament.

"You will see at page 65 that it says, 'Thou shalt not steal,'"
The Straits Times quoted Reddy as saying.

"While you are in prison, sit in prison and read the Bible, and
ensure that you don't come before the courts again," Reddy said.

The judge noted Tuesday that Tan had several previous convictions
for theft and had stolen books before stealing the Bible on September
17 at a shop in the city-state.

Tan admitted telling a psychiatrist that he wanted a new Bible to
replace his torn and tattered one.

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency

Comment Here