A robber who turned himself in to police after 11 years on the run has been released after authorities took into account his hard work as a relief volunteer with Sichuan quake victims.

The suspect surnamed Lei, who allegedly robbed a coal truck driver of 740 yuan (US$105.7) in 1997, has had all charges dropped, Xinhuanet.com reported.

Lei, a Sichuan native in his 30s, spent three years in Luzhou, Sichuan Province and the following eight years in Shanghai after committing the crime. He made a living by doing odd jobs, the report said.

Lei decided to do volunteer work on May 19, the national day of mourning. He hurried to his hometown from the city and participated in relief work in Chengdu and Shifang.

Over the next 10 days, Lei was so moved by the courage of the soldiers and strong will of the victims, he decided to end his life on the run and surrendered to police, the website said.

Junlian County Prosecutors' Office confirmed that Lei did not commit any crimes during his time as a fugitive and that his participation in relief work at quake hit areas could be regarded as good deeds to atone for his previous crimes.

As he is considered not to be a danger to society, the prosecutor's office made the decision, the report said.

(Shanghai Daily August 6, 2008)