"Trusted" man steals from Guernsey cafe

Sunday 03 November 2019

A man will have to complete 120 hours of community service after stealing multiple packs of scratch cards from a cafe in Guernsey, where he had been given a position of trust.

Jose Azevedo, 40, was a regular customer at Lameiros in the Bordage and often helped out with washing up and stacking shelves.

As part of the casual arrangement, he would be trusted to go behind the counter and take stock out of the cupboards where packs of scratch cards were kept before sale.

Earlier this year however, the cafe's Owner noticed some cards had gone missing. On checking CCTV footage, she realised Azevedo had been stealing sealed packets and taking them home.

After allegations were made, Guernsey Police searched the defendant's home where they found some sealed and unsealed packs in his bedside cabinet, as well as scratched cards around the house. Some had prizes which were yet to be claimed.

Pictured: Lameiros Ltd (from cafe's Facebook page).

During his police interview, Azevedo admitted to stealing from the cafe on at least three occasions and said he had a gambling addiction. He was described as "remorseful and emotional" throughout the interview.

Since being arrested, he has sought help for his gambling problem.

"I accept that your shame is genuine," said Judge Graeme McKerrell on sentencing. "I give you significant credit for your cooperation and what you have done since being arrested in terms of addressing your issues. Without that you would have gone immediately to prison today.

"You were clearly acting in a position of trust, which you seriously abused."

Azevedo has been given a community service order as a direct alternative to three months in prison, which he will have to serve if he fails to complete the work. He will also have to pay the owners of Lameiros Ltd £250 in compensation.

Pictured top: The Guernsey Royal Court House.