In an astonishing statement which may outrage his many victims, a youth responsible for 46 burglaries across south east London claims he had a "relaxing holiday" in prison and enjoyed it a lot.

Omar Galleze admitted the spate of thefts Croydon Crown Court in March this year and was given a 16-month sentence in a young offender institution.

The thief - who has since also admitted taking part in a ram raid - was arrested in Moorside Road, Downham, after being forensically linked to a burglary in Palace View, Bromley.

After his sentence, police said the 19-year-old was a prolific offender and "his conviction should serve as a warning to other burglars".

But, nine months later, he is already out of jail and claims he had a great time.

Following his release, Mr Galleze took the unusual step of writing to News Shopper to thank us for our coverage of his case, saying: "Yes, jail was a very relaxing holiday for me and I enjoyed it a lot."

News Shopper:

When we contacted him, he told us: "It was my first time in prison but, to be honest, I think prison's quite an easy life.

"You're caged up like an animal so you've got to make the best out of the experience."

Mr Galleze, who was released from High Down prison in Sutton last month after serving just half of his sentence, said prison helped him sort his life out.

He said: "All those burglaries that I admitted, I didn't have to admit them. But I wanted a clean start."

And he added: "I know prison wasn't the best way to go but it's taught me a big lesson in life."

Mr Galleze, now working full time and living at a new address in a different area, said every cell had its own TV set and it was even possible to buy items like radios and Playstation games consoles from the prison at "extortionate prices".

The burglar ended up working in the prison kitchen and did several courses to tackle his problems with drug abuse.

News Shopper:

He went on: "Everyone had their own experiences in prison. Some people get bullied in prison.

"You've got to know the right people. It's not what you know, it's who you know."

And he said his time served meant he thought about his victims for the first time, whereas previously he had only been interested in opportunistically targeting their homes to spend money of marijuana, expensive watches and cars.

He said: "At the time I didn't think about the consequences. When I ended up in prison, that's all I could think about. At the time I didn't have a conscience.

"I fell in with the wrong crowd. It was the stupidest mistake I've ever made in my life. Now people look at me as if I'm a scumbag."