Manchester Airport worker not jailed over thefts
20.02.09
A courier who worked at Manchester Airport was not jailed despite stealing items worth more than £10,000 from holidaymakers' lost luggage, the Manchester Evening News reports. John Hewitt, 61, was employed to return unclaimed baggage to passengers - but instead would break into suitcases and take jewellery, souvenirs, cigarettes and perfume. He sold some of the items in his local pub.
The court heard how Mr Hewitt, who worked for Complete Solution Baggage Courier Services, had a number of keys so he could break into suitcases. He is believed to have stolen hundreds of items worth more than £10,000 between January 2006 and November 2007. He was caught out after his employer received complaints over luggage that he had returned.
Mr Hewitt, who walks with a stick, was helped in the scam by partner Irene Grundy, 60, and both admitted theft, going equipped for theft and acquiring criminal property at Manchester Crown Court. Mr Hewitt was given two suspended sentences, one for a year and the other for six months, both suspended for two years and to run concurrently. He will also undertake 160 hours unpaid work. Ms Grundy was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and will have to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
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