A holidaymaker has been fined after stealing a bottle of designer perfume from an airport Duty Free shop. Eric Burn concealed the item and boarded a flight without paying, a court heard.
Incident at World Duty Free
Burn was in the departure lounge at Newcastle International Airport on May 30 when he visited the World Duty Free store. He paid for several items at the checkout but also hid a bottle of Prada perfume in his jacket, prosecutors said.
After leaving the store, Burn boarded a flight without paying for the perfume. Staff later discovered the item was missing, and CCTV footage identified Burn as the culprit.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Burn, of Birds Nest Road in Walker, was arrested several days later. He was initially offered a caution if he compensated the store within a set timeframe, but he said he could not pay. He was subsequently charged with shop theft and pleaded guilty at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
George Johnston, prosecuting, 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."
Sentence and Compensation
The court was told the stolen perfume was never recovered. Defence solicitor Kash Khan said Burn acknowledged his actions, adding: "He offered to make payment but then realised his finances would not allow him in the time frame set out by the police. He asked if it could be extended but that was not an option, so, he was told the matter would proceed to court. He has suffered a stroke in the past and has mobility issues and cognitive issues. He's in receipt of benefits."
Burn received a £40 fine, £85 in costs, and a £16 victim surcharge. He was also ordered to pay World Duty Free £100.70 in compensation.
