Do thieves miss jail by returning what they stole?

Look at the following headline in an article in The Guardian, linked here: +++++

Tony McNulty faces call for inquiry over £60,000 allowances

Employment minister urged to consider repaying money claimed on home in Harrow East constituency occupied by his parents

+++++ Would repayment make any difference for this former Home Office Minister once responsible for policing and crime, security and counter-terrorism??????????? (BBC)