Burglar finds religion and avoids jail

File photo / Martin Sykes

A burglar who walked into Hamilton police station and confessed his crimes after finding religion has avoided a prison term.

Neum Muliaumasealii, 24, was sentenced at Hamilton District Court yesterday to three months community detention and 50 hours community work after admitting burgling four properties, including the home of a friend between 2005 and 2007 , The Waikato Times reported.

Muliaumasealii also admitted to four counts of theft, breaking into cars during an international rugby match to steal car stereos.

The court was that in March he went to the police station to confess his crimes prompted by his "religious beliefs" and a desire for a "clean slate".

"It's really your conscience which has led you to appear before the corut today," Judge Glen Marshall told Miliaumasealii

He said a prison sentence would normally be an option for his offending but gave him credit for changing his ways.

- NZPA