It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Umayyah al-Makhzumi (may Allah be pleased with him) that a thief was brought to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) who had clearly confessed, although no stolen goods were found with him. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I do not think that you stole?" He said: Yes indeed (I did steal). He (peace and blessings be upon him) said again: "I do not think that you stole?" He said: Yes indeed. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Take him away and cut off his hand." The narrator said: So they cut off his hand, then they brought him back, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance." He said: I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Allah, accept his repentance; O Allah, accept his repentance."
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / مسند من يعرف بالكنى / 19108