Strange But True: Egyptian Man Addicted To Stealing Cuts Off Both His Hands By Allowing A TRAIN To Run Over His Wrists (PHOTOS)

Egyptian man has sliced off both his hands by placing them in the path of a speeding train to overcome his stealing addiction.

Ali Afifi, 28, was apparently so appalled by his habitual crimes that he took his punishment into his own hands.

His decision was likely to have been drawn from the Islamic teaching of Sharia law - the principles, rules and subsequent punishments that inform every element of life for those who practice Islam.

Mr Afifi said his stealing 'disease' started at a young age, first taking his friend's lunches at primary school. It then escalated to items in shops and until recently he was taking people's mobile phones and gold jewellery. 

He said he used to give the money he made from the thefts to children and poor families.

But Mr Afifi was unable to cope with the guilt and decided to cut off his hands to put an end to his compulsive behaviour. 

He said he wants to help his local town, improve the buildings and build a youth centre. He also wants to marry but doubts an Egyptian woman would take him because of his history of theft.