‘Opportunist’ thief stole champagne bottles from OGH

John Kevin Watson, 59, of Brock Road, St Peter Port, admitted the offence.

The court was told how the defendant had been walking up Hospital Lane when he saw a box, containing the six bottles, at the back of the hotel. He picked it up and continued on his way with it towards St Julian’s Avenue. His actions were seen by a witness who notified the hotel, which in turn contacted the police.

Watson was identified from CCTV footage acquired from Elizabeth College.

The champagne had a total value of £279.54. Upon his arrest, Watson told officers: ‘I’m not going to lie, I drunk them. I’m on so much meds that I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.’

He had previous convictions, the last of which was for a theft in 2015. The court heard how he had reimbursed the hotel for its loss.

Defending, Advocate Samuel Steel said this had been an opportunist theft and not a sophisticated one. His client had not entered the hotel. He had issues with alcohol and drank the champagne within two or three days. He had paid the hotel back within four days. He wished to apologise for what he had done.

Judge Marc Davies said the defendant not messed anybody around at the police station and the hotel had been paid for the drink. He would sentence on the basis that this had been an opportunistic theft.

‘You saw some booze, you wanted it, and you took it,’ said. ‘Alcohol is at the root of your offending.’

A fine of £750 was imposed.