Tough justice, tough love: Burglary plot criminal told he's not allowed romantic relationships as part of probation deal

‘You need to focus on yourself’ are words more likely found in a newspaper’s agony aunt column than a court room.

However, it was a Nebraska judge handing out self-help tips to a would-be burglar when he sentenced him to no romantic relationships after being convicted in a burglary plot, according to the Norfolk Daily Post.

The odd condition was included in Jeffrey Hoadley’s three year probation, after he helped plan the break-in of an auto parts shop last December. Hoadley was also handed a $1,800 fine and told he must serve 120 days in prison at the end of the probation period.

By backing out of the burglary at the last minute, Judge Mark Johnson deemed that Hoadley had a ‘moral compass’ and was willing to take a chance on him, deciding that he would benefit more from probation than prison.

However, this admittance came with the unusual condition that Hoadley was not allowed to have any romantic relationships during this time, as - requiring help for his reliance on methamphetamine and marijuana - Johnson declared that it was important that Hoadley took some time to focus on himself.

Hoadley has been told that if he breaks these terms he will instead be facing a prison sentence.