An “opportunistic” thief stole a holidaymaker’s luggage from the street as he parked his car.
Mother-of-six Annamaria Ciurar appeared in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and admitted taking two suitcases, containing brand new clothes, from a stranger.
Her lawyer said the 32-year-old took the bags as she planned to go on holiday with her family and thought they had been thrown out by their owner.
However, when police arrived at Ciurar’s home on May 3 last year they found the suitcases hidden and covered by a blanket.
Ciurar pleaded guilty to one charge of stealing luggage containing clothing, electrical items and watches.
Accused took luggage as owner parked car
Fiscal depute Kiril Bonavino told the court that the owner of the suitcases left the belongings unattended on Denburn Road, Aberdeen.
He added: “The complainer drove off to park his car elsewhere and left his luggage on the street.
“We now know the accused actually obtained the items while she was in her car.
“It was opportunistic theft. She saw the luggage and stopped her car.”
Cops found bags hidden under blanket
Defence agent David Sutherland told the court that his client thought the cases had been discarded on the street and were empty.
He said: “The plan was to go on holiday and she required two cases for her family.
“She saw these two cases at the roadside – thought they’d been abandoned – stopped the car and went home.
“She took the cases into her flat and on opening them realised there were a number of items within, including some brand new clothing.
“She then realised they hadn’t been abandoned after all.
“What she said she intended to do was to call the police.
“However, the practical problem is that the police arrive at hers before that happens and find the suitcases hidden under a blanket, which perhaps gives a more sinister interpretation.”
Describing the case as “unusual”, Sheriff Margaret Hodge told Cuirar: “It does appear quite clear to me that you did intend to keep something that did not belong to you.
“This was an opportunistic act of theft by you.
“I appreciate that you have no previous convictions, but I need to mark the offence.”
Sheriff Hodge fined Cuirar, of Menzies Road, Aberdeen, a total of £250.
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