The power of apology

One example, serial burglar Callum Greenaway faced 5 years jail for stealing £200K worth of goods.
He wrote dozens of letters of apology to his victims, he then had his sentence halved.
In one he said "There was nothing personal - I didn't target you or your family. I hope this letter gives you closure."
The power of words. One of the most powerful words; sorry. But is it used to mean "full of sorrow" or as as leverage?