The Jhutee Chor aka The Slipper Thief (From Asian Image)

The Jhutee Chor aka The Slipper Thief

7:25pm Saturday 21st October 2006

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The time has come to admit my crime to the people of the world and I want to cleanse my soul.

It has been years since I committed these heinous acts but it is no longer possible for me to remain silent anymore.

In the pit of my stomach the guilt is cutting me open. I have had so much bad luck since I committed these acts of debauchery that I feel this curse can and must be lifted.

When I was a child I waited for everyone to go inside the mosque and then I would steal all the best shoes.

I didn't need the shoes but I looked for the best shoes so I could make the owners pay.

I did this because my own parents never bought me good trainers and I was jealous. I hated having to wear the trainers with the two stripes.

I detested having to wear shoes that looked like they were bought in a sale (which they were!) and was repulsed at how mine were cheap and everyone else's weren't.

It began quite innocently enough. Here and there I would steal a pair of shoes and throw them over a wall.

If I wanted to be cruel I would just steal one shoe or trainer.

People didn't care much at first because the shoes I would steal were kids shoes...and nobody believes the kid.

I used to laugh round the corner at the poor fellow who had to walk home in the mosque slippers before getting a couple of slaps from his mum when he got home.

Who told you to take your best shoes to the mosque? From now it's slippers and nothing else for you silly little boy.' Then slowly I became more daring. I started to steal proper shoes from grown ups. That was when they had the lock-down.

Those were dark times for a person in my profession. The front door was locked and it became hard for me to sneak in and out as I wished.

And then there was the good days - in other words Eid.

It was best during Eid time because some idiots would bring their brand new shoes to mosque. They had no idea that within an hour those shoes would be mine.

I know some people would try to be clever and wear their rubbish shoes to mosque on Eid but I was on their case. I followed them home and then when they weren't looking I stole them from their house.

The moonboots, the Rockports, the adidas trainers, Reeboks, Lacoste, Timberland, BHS specials - they all made me into a legend.

I hated myself for doing this to people and I am sorry for my crime. I stole and my life has been miserable and terrible ever since.

So people of the world please forgive me and this Eid I shall return everyone's shoes.

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