A SOUTHAMPTON couple burgled by their daughter's boyfriend sent a letter to a judge saying they had forgiven him.

Daniel Wetherill had been given the key to the Southampton home of Claire McKenna's parents where she also lived.

But while her parents were away for a weekend, the 24-year-old, who has cannabis and gambling problems, stole more than 30 pieces of jewellery, which he cashed at a shop.

Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott told the city crown court that two days afterwards, Wetherill confessed to his girl friend and after the items were confirmed as missing, the police were called. Twenty-two pieces had been recovered, Mr Ellacott added.

Wetherill, who told police he was sorry, wrote a letter to the judge who also received one from Mr & Mrs McKenna. David Storry, defending, said Wetherill and the girl were still in a relationship. On remand, he had been addressing his cannabis issue.

Wetherill, 24, of no fixed abode, admitted burglary and asked for another in which he entered a property while the house sitter was in the garden to be considered.

He also admitted two charges of obtaining cash by deception. Recorder Howard Palmer QC jailed him for 18 months.