A thief who stole £325 worth of products from Primark in Birmingham has been warned that his actions could jeopardise his asylum claim, a court heard.
The Incident
Andargachew Hailu, aged 32, targeted the retail outlet on April 15 this year. He appeared before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, May 19, where he required a translator and pleaded guilty to one count of shop theft.
Defence Statement
Hailu's defence solicitor, Ms Farzana Begum, told the court: 'He states his family is in Ethiopia but he does have a girlfriend in the United Kingdom. She is 28 weeks pregnant. He suffers with depression. He purchased items for his partner and required a larger size.'
Ms Begum said Hailu was 'financially struggling' but that his partner 'did not encourage him to steal'. She added that the items were recovered by a security guard and that Hailu was 'extremely remorseful'. She also noted that Hailu is an asylum seeker, unemployed, and in receipt of £50 per week of allowance.
Judge's Warning
Deputy District Judge Olwen Davis handed the defendant a reduced fine, taking into account he was 'on an exceptionally low income'. Ms Davis said: 'It seems there was a degree of planning in this theft. You were previously of good character. Even relatively trivial offences like this have the capability of affecting your asylum claim. You really need to keep out of trouble if you are seeking asylum. You have got a baby coming, you don't want to lead a lifestyle that gets you arrested.'
Sentence
Hailu, of Rugby, Warwickshire, was ordered to pay a £50 fine, a victim surcharge of £20, and prosecution costs of £40, taking his total court costs to £110.
