An Algerian asylum seeker who stole luggage from airline passengers outside Heathrow Airport during an £8,000 crime spree to fund a cocaine addiction has been sentenced to prison.
Details of the thefts
Karime Boudina, 37, helped himself to suitcases and rucksacks from travellers outside the airport, with the stolen items valued at more than £3,000. While already under investigation for a separate theft, Boudina travelled to Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 on November 3, 2025, where he swiped the luggage.
Earlier that year, Boudina was caught wheeling a stolen suitcase containing property worth £4,175 out of a coffee shop in Praed Street, Paddington. This was in breach of a previous court order that banned him from entering the area.
Previous convictions
Boudina had previously been convicted of robbing a high-value watch from a victim in Westminster in 2023, receiving a 15-month sentence and a five-year banning order from the area. Judge Dafna Spiro noted the irony of his reoffending: "The offence took place in Westminster on April 5, 2025, which is somewhat remarkable, because in 2023 you were convicted of robbery of a high-value theft in the Westminster area."
She added: "You were made subject to a criminal behaviour order for five years, as well as receiving a prison sentence of 15 months. You knew perfectly well you were not allowed to be in that area, so you were in breach of that criminal behaviour order and not for the first time, as you were convicted for a breach on August 1 last year."
Judge's remarks
Judge Spiro described Boudina as a "professional thief" who targeted victims with a level of planning and sophistication. She stated: "This is a man who is not helping himself and not really helping the court." Since arriving in the UK in 2010, Boudina has used 21 aliases with six different dates of birth and has accumulated eight convictions for 11 offences.
Sentence and deportation
Boudina, of Colnbrook, Slough, Berkshire, admitted conspiracy to steal, three counts of theft, theft from a person, and breach of a criminal behaviour order. He was jailed for two years and eight months, including nine months for the breach to be served consecutively.
Addressing Boudina, Judge Spiro said: "I am told your immigration status is unclear, that you were refused asylum, but that you have a renewed application... Whatever happens will happen in due course."
Defence lawyer Karina Arden said Boudina's offending worsened due to a cocaine addiction and that he had begun reflecting on his life while in custody. The court heard that Boudina is likely to face automatic deportation after serving his sentence. The judge ordered no costs beyond the victim surcharge, noting that Boudina likely has no money.
