A Georgian national who was being accommodated in a taxpayer-funded migrant hotel has appeared in court, accused of stealing a high-value designer jacket worth £1,000 just nine weeks after his arrival in the UK.
The defendant, 25-year-old Saba Koberidze, offered a surprising defence for his actions at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. He claimed he was "forced" to commit the theft, although no further details elaborating on this coercion were provided in the initial hearing.
Koberidze had been residing in free accommodation provided by the Home Office while his asylum claim was being processed. The court was told he targeted the expensive coat, a 'CP Company' jacket, from a TK Maxx store.
Prosecutor Tess Mann revealed that the incident was captured on clear CCTV footage, which showed Koberidze entering the store, selecting the jacket, and then leaving without making any attempt to pay.
Despite his claims of being forced, District Judge Christopher Williams found him guilty of the theft. The judge noted that the defendant's account lacked any substantiating evidence to support the alleged coercion.
This case is set to fuel the ongoing political debate surrounding the UK's asylum system and the cost of housing migrants. It highlights concerns about criminal activity originating from individuals who are being supported by the state.
Sentencing for the theft has been adjourned until a later date. The court will also consider a separate, more serious charge of assaulting an emergency worker, to which Koberidze has entered a not guilty plea.
