Light-Fingered Maintenance Man Snatched Cash From London Mews House

Devonshire Mews West

A maintenance worker, who was caught on CCTV helping himself to the contents of a customer's purse when called out to repair the ceiling of a bijou London mews house, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Ashley Gallant, 32, of Eagle Way, Hampton Centre, Peterborough picked on a family who had previously suffered a theft at their Marylebone home and had installed cameras.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to stealing £60 cash from Sohana Jisooh at an address in Devonshire Mews West, Marylebone on October 27.

Gallant received eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 200 hours community service.

“He is a maintenance worker and was given keys to the property and had permission to be there to work on the bedroom ceiling,” explained prosecutor Mr. Oliver Schneider-Sikorsky. “There had been a previous theft of one thousand pounds so CCTV had been installed.

“When it was observed Mr. Gallant was seen removing cash from the purse and the management company he works for and the police were called.

“At Paddington Police Station he admitted everything and the money was recovered.”

Gallant's lawyer Mr. George Otchere told the court: “This is a very unfortunate case and he had been working for this company for fifteen years.

“He regrets what happened, he just didn't think and in that moment took the money.

“He has lost his job and feels sorry for what happened and has shown remourse.

“He's unemployed now, he's not working and has a large family and wife a wife expecting.

“It was not a sophisticated offence. It was in the heat of the moment and he did not think.”

Gallant was also ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs.