Hungarian shopping thieves handed community orders

Anika Soros, aged 36, and Jozsef Koszegi, 53, filled a trolley to the brim at Sainsbury's in Rookery Road in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, and tried to walk out of the store.

Wolverhampton Magistrates Court heard the pair were apprehended by security staff before they could make their getaway.

Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting, told the court: "You may wonder why two foreign nationals, who, according to tests have no drug problems, would resort to stealing.

"Koszegi told police he only had £5 with him at the time of the offence but decided to take the items because he could not afford to buy food.

"This was a joint enterprise resulting in groceries and household items being taken to a value of £654.07."

Mr Bleazard added that both defendants had previously been cautioned for stealing.

Defending both Koszegi and Soros, Mr Hockham Suthi, said: "Mr Koszegi has been in the country for a year. He lives with his wife and two children, but also a number of other family and friends, which is the nature of Hungarian society.

"Although he is in receipt of benefits it isn't enough to support everyone at his home.

"Miss Soros has been back in the UK for a month and associates with the same group of people. She is not currently in receipt of benefits.

"Both defendants admitted their involvement and are sorry for what they have done.

"They stole the items to use within their families and not to fund any kind of habit."

Soros and Koszegi, both of Marston Road, Blakenhall, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

Sentencing them both to a three-month community order, chief magistrate Ray Page told the pair: "I am sure theft is not tolerated in your own country, and it most certainly is not accepted in the UK. Being sorry after the event is not enough."

They were also ordered to pay costs of £40 each and a victim surcharge of £60 each.