So things are that easy? Just return the money and he's now a good man? If that settles all problems, it's now easy to do illegal things.
That man should face the consequences regardless if he will return the money or not. No excuses, no bullshits, no attachment involved.
He enjoyed using the money disregarding what will be the consequences of it. That guy should learn his lesson.
I agree. Punishment should be a signal that such actions will not be repeated in the future (for this person or for someone else). If you allow the thief to return the stolen and no longer experience any consequences, then stealing will become extremely profitable - because in the worst case, you can return the stolen and become a "good person" again and then try to steal again. This is absurd.