Dharun Ravi apologizes, says he will begin serving jail sentence Thursday

(CBS) NEW YORK - Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers student convicted of using a webcam do spy on his roommate's intimate encounter with another man, says in a statement that he will turn himself in Thursday to begin his 30-day jail sentence.

Pictures: Dharun Ravi sentenced to 30 days in jail
Pictures: Rutgers Spycam Trial

In a statement, Ravi says he regrets his "thoughtless, insensitive, immature, stupid and childish choices."

Because prosecutors are appealing the sentence, Ravi did not have to begin serving the term yet. But Ravi's lawyer, Steven Altman, says his client chose to begin serving now. According to the New Jersey Star-Ledger, Altman says Ravi wanted to "get it over with."

Ravi was convicted in March of invasion of privacy, bias intimidation and other charges for using his webcam to see roommate Tyler Clementi kissing another man. Clementi committed suicide days after the September 2010 invasion. Berman sentenced Ravi to 30 days in jail.

Here is the full statement from Dharun Ravi:  "Last Monday, I was sentenced to 3 years probation, 300 hours of community service, a fine of more than $10,000.00, and 30 days in jail. Since the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office appealed that sentence, the sentence does not have to start until the appeal is decided. Nevertheless, I decided to accept and hopefully complete the sentence as soon as possible. It's the only way I can go on with my life. I accept responsibility for and regret my thoughtless, insensitive, immature, stupid and childish choices that I made on September 19, 2010 and September 21, 2010. My behavior and actions, which at no time were motivated by hate, bigotry, prejudice or desire to hurt, humiliate or embarrass anyone, were nonetheless the wrong choices and decisions. I apologize to everyone affected by those choices. I am surrendering myself to the Middlesex County Correctional Facility on Thursday, May 31, 2012, to start my 30-day period of imprisonment."

Complete coverage of Tyler Clementi and the Dharun Ravi trial on Crimesider