A holidaymaker who concealed a bottle of Prada perfume in his jacket at Newcastle International Airport and boarded a flight without paying has been fined.
Eric Burn, 48, of Birds Nest Road in Walker, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to shop theft. The incident took place in the departure lounge on May 30 this year.
How the theft unfolded
George Johnston, prosecuting, said Burn entered World Duty Free and paid for several items at the till. However, staff were unaware that he had also hidden an expensive bottle of designer fragrance in his jacket.
Mr Johnston said: "He has gone into World Duty Free. He was paying for other items but concealed a bottle of Prada perfume then left without making payment. The defendant was arrested and initially offered and out-of-court disposal but he withdrew from that process."
When staff noticed the perfume was missing, CCTV was checked and Burn was identified. He was arrested several days later and initially told he would receive a caution if he compensated the store within a certain time frame. Burn said he could not pay, so the matter proceeded to court.
Court outcome and compensation
The court heard that the stolen perfume was not recovered. Kash Khan, defending, said Burn accepted what he had done and had offered to make payment but realised his finances would not allow it within the police's timeframe. Mr Khan added that Burn has suffered a stroke in the past and has mobility and cognitive issues, and is in receipt of benefits.
Burn was fined £40, with £85 costs and a £16 victim surcharge, and must pay World Duty Free £100.70 in compensation.
