A REFORMED drug addict who stole more than �1,000 of jewellery from his landlady in Lowestoft was only discovered when he wrote an apology in an attempt to atone for his crimes, a court heard this week.

Anthony Spry, 29, of Kirkley Cliff, wrote to his former landlady as part of a rehabilitation programme. She knew the jewellery had gone missing, but until she received Spry's apology had no idea it has been stolen.

Appearing before Lowestoft magistrates on Tuesday, Spry pleaded guilty to theft. The court heard he had been addicted to heroin, methadone and crack cocaine at the time of the crime, but was now drug-free.

'This is quite an amazing feat,' said Lucy Brakewell, in mitigation. 'He knew that the letter would have consequences and the police would become involved.

'He is not just staying out of trouble but trying to put things right. He has truly turned his life around.'

Corinne Gook-Hurren, prosecuting, said it was not common practice for suspects to apologise 'off their own back'.

'If it was not for Spry coming forward, the victim would never have known about the theft and the police would never have known an offence had been committed,' she said.

Spry was ordered to pay �1,050 in compensation to his landlady.