An American student detained in North Korea since early January and accused of carrying out a hostile act against the state has been paraded before the media.

21-year-old Otto Warmbier from the University of Virginia read out a purported confession saying he had stolen a political slogan – thought to have been from his hotel in Pyongyang.

He was arrested on January 2 and reportedly taken away before boarding a flight back to China.

“I understand the severity of my crime, and I have no idea what sort of penalty I may face, but I am begging to the Korean people and government for my forgiveness. And I am praying to the heavens so that I may be returned home to my family.”

Warmbier said he had been offered a prize of a second hand car if he could bring back a “trophy” to present to an American church.

Responding to his appearance in their first public statement since his detention, the student’s family said they hoped his “sincere apology” would make it possible for the author