Licensee gets surprise apology for burglary committed in 1992

Frances Cunningham, who owns the Swettenham Arms, in Swettenham, near Congleton, claimed to have “only vaguely remembered” the burglary, which occurred shortly after she took on the pub with husband Anthony, in 1992.

She said: “When you open the post in the morning, all you expect is bills – so it was somewhat of a nice surprise to have received a £100 cheque.”

The woman who wrote the letter explained that it wasn’t her that “smashed up cigarette machine”, but she was partly to blame for the burglary.

Letter content​

The letter went on to say: “I'm very, very sorry. I did not realise the seriousness of my actions at the time.

“I had been through a lot and had no idea where to get help. I am so ashamed and sad because of the fear it may of induced and the cost and time.

“I wish I could take it back a lot, I hope that you will never be bothered by such cruelty ever again.

“P.S. If there are any further costs, let me know.”

Coffee invite​

Cunningham said she doesn’t bear any grudges, and has written back to the woman and invited her to the pub for a coffee.

She said: “As far as I’m concerned, this lady has been worried about this incident for 20 years.

“It’s a shame really, as far worse incidents have happened to us. We had an armed robbery once. As you might imagine, I can remember every detail of that.”

Cunningham has donated the £100 to her local church.