Robber turns himself in after suicide attempt

Source:Global Times Published: 2013-1-23 23:48:02

A man has been sentenced to 30 months in jail after a failed suicide attempt led him to confess to committing a robbery, Hongkou District People's Court said Wednesday.

The defendant, Liu Lei, 23, tried to commit suicide by jumping in a river on May 11, 2012, two days after he robbed a receptionist at a hotel on Shuidian Road, according to a court press release. Although the receptionist called police, they were unable to identify the robber because he had been wearing a mask.

Two police officers rescued Liu from the river. He told them he was upset after arguing with his father.

Liu didn't turn himself in right away, but eventually returned to the police and confessed to the crime, the court said.

Liu told police that he confessed because they had saved his life and he wanted to turn his life around.

Liu had served a year in prison for a prior robbery conviction. He said that he had no choice but to return to crime because he didn't have any money and couldn't find a job.

He also had a troubled family life. His parents divorced when he was 8 years old. He had grown up in his grandparents' home, but later had to move in with his father and stepmother, who had two children together. His relationship with his father was strained and he felt lonely, like he was redundant, the court said.

A prosecutor said that most children who grow up without enough love and support from their parents are likely to turn out like Liu.

Global Times



Posted in: Society, Metro Shanghai

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