A thief caught with a ketchup packet as part of a distraction theft gang has been released from prison after a judge expressed confusion over the use of the condiment in crime. Hector Mantilla-Florez, 62, was jailed for 18 weeks alongside accomplices Luis Prieto-Pena, 65, and Jaime Ramirez, 73, after being caught at Paddington station on July 20, 2024.
The trio were found with tyre spikes—apparently used to deflate car tyres and distract victims—but Mantilla-Florez was also carrying a single ketchup sachet. Police believe he intended to squirt the sauce on targets to create a distraction, allowing his accomplices to steal items. All three pleaded guilty to going equipped for theft at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
At an appeal hearing at Inner London Crown Court on August 23, Judge Noel Lucas KC said he was 'slightly perplexed' by the ketchup scheme. 'I do not understand how a ketchup packet is used,' he remarked, adding: 'I was not aware having a ketchup sachet was unlawful. My son would be in court all the time. He's addicted to the stuff.'
Mantilla-Florez's barrister argued the sentence was excessive, noting his client had no previous convictions and that no pre-sentence report had been ordered. The judge agreed, substituting the custodial sentence with a 12-month conditional discharge. 'Commit an offence for the next 12 months and you will end up back in prison,' he warned.
The case highlights the unusual use of everyday items in theft plots. Under Section 25 of the Theft Act 1968, possessing an article for use in theft is an offence, even if the item is as mundane as ketchup.
