Search Results: my son got in trouble

Not me but someone's parents are old-fashioned when it comes to what is discipline.

Sometime in 2020, their then 16 year-old son stole money from his father and used his card to buy an expensive PS5. Prior to that, his father had nicely explained to him about the financial struggle and that he couldn't get him a PS5, that they were saving money. He was still giving tantrums, coming late to the house (even a bit drunk too), backtalking to both of them and the father was being more tolerant than usual. He kept protesting to be treated like an adult.

When the father found out what happened (after he received a call about a fradulent transaction on his act) that was the last straw for him. He grabbed his belt but actually gave him two options.
Option 1:
Give him a fair ass whooping he had coming for the longest and the stolen funds, followed by 2-3 months being grounded and get him to start working so he earns money.
Option 2:
Instead of the spanking treat him like an adult, report him to the cops for theft and he gets jail time, thrown out of the house and possibly a record. Afterall he wanted to be treated as an adult so therefore adult punishment.

He chose the spanking over the jail time and a record. If you were him would you have chosen a spanking or jail time?