A thief in Benxi, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, swallowed nails and iron wires as long as 15 centimeters before stealing in the hope of escaping police penalties. Photo: screenshot of KNews on Sina Weibo.

A thief in Benxi, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, swallowed nails and iron wires as long as 15 centimeters before stealing in the hope of escaping police penalties. 

Quite contrary to his expectations, however, he was forced to the hospital for operation by the police and given an even severer punishment for swallowing the objects.

After being caught by the police, the thief was reluctant to go to the hospital to have his "talisman" removed. Under repeated persuasion, the suspect was eventually taken to emergency clinic despite his arrogant attitude. 

Doctors warned that the situation was very dangerous, as the long nails could perforate internal organs and cause life-threatening injuries. 

The suspect has recovered and is still under criminal detention. 

Police noted that swallowing foreign objects will be one of the aggravating factors for his sentencing.

According to the police, cracking down on attempts to mitigate punishment in such a dangerous way can both serve to deter crime and maintain social order.

Global Times