Staffordshire University student admits £3,500 Amazon theft
A former Amazon worker was found with more than £3,500 worth of electronic equipment stolen from the Rugeley firm at his home.
Ali Bin Masood Arain denied stealing the items, saying he had bought them for £220.
The haul was found as police investigated another theft, of an Intel processor chip worth £470, which Arain admitted taking from his workplace at Towers Business Park.
After being caught with the chip, the electronic equipment, including mobile phones and computers, was discovered at the 26-year-old Staffordshire University student's address in Sun Street in Stoke.
At Cannock Magistrates' Court yesterday, Arain claimed he had purchased the electronics for £220 and admitted a charge of handling stolen goods.
He also admitted theft of the processor chip, which was found on him after he set off security alarms as he left his employer's site on February 19.
Prosecuting, Mr Roney Thankey said: "This was a severe breach of trust. "There was a security breach at the warehouse and police were called. When interviewed a device fell out of his trousers."
Mr Thankey added: "Before the incident on February 19, a loss prevention officer at Amazon had noticed there were a large number of empty boxes in the warehouse. Police officers later searched his address and seized a number of items including mobile phones, computers and electronic equipment. Mr Arain said he had purchased the items for £220 but could not give a name."
The charges dated from December 31 last year to February 19.
Arain had pleaded not guilty in March to a charge of theft relating to all the items, but yesterday he faced just one charge of theft of the chip and one of handling, which he admitted.
Probation officer Julie Grice, told the court: "He did not believe the items he had bought were stolen. He thought they were cheap because they may have been broken or faulty. He did plan to sell them on and admits to being greedy."
The full-time student moved from Pakistan in 2013 to complete a masters degree in telecommunications.
Chairman of the bench, Mr Daniel Sutton said: "Due to the high value of the theft involved, we are imposing a community order of 135 hours of unpaid work."
Mr Arain was also ordered to pay £300 court costs and a £60 surcharge.
