Maximiano Gabriel Ramos (21) was working behind the checkout in the Food Hall in Kensington Place when a member of the public passed him the lost wallet.
The defendant then took it – leaving its owner unable to make a business trip to the UK as he did not have his photo identification to enable him to board a flight.
The victim claims that he lost about £6,000 in business opportunities, as well as airline tickets and accommodation costs, although no compensation claim was made during the Magistrate’s Court hearing.
Opening the case, Centenier Danny Scaife said that the wallet, containing a bank card, driving licence, key fobs and £50 in cash, was left by the victim at the Food Hall at around midday on 27 December last year.
It was handed over to Ramos but when the owner came back to the shop it could not be found.
A review of CCTV footage showed Ramos, of Cache de L’Eglise, St Ouen, being handed the wallet by a member of the public and putting it behind the till.
He was then seen to attempt to put it in a bucket but was disturbed. Footage later showed Ramos putting the wallet in his pocket.
The defendant, who admitted stealing the wallet, was sentenced to 50 hours’ community service and nine months’ probation.
He was also sentenced for causing a breach of the peace by fighting outside the Havana Club in Bath Street on 12 May this year. As a result he was barred from pubs and nightclubs for six months.
Centenier Scaife said that almost all of the property in the wallet was recovered although the victim had to get a new driving licence as the defendant had bent the card. The bank cards were found in a staff bin and Ramos handed over £47 in cash.
Advocate Stephen Wauchope, defending, said that the theft was ‘opportunistic’. The court heard the defendant had moved to Jersey to leave behind a life of drug use in Madeira.
In sentencing, the Magistrate, Bridget Shaw, said: ‘You have made some progress in that you are no longer using heroin but this is not a good start.’ She said that they were offences of dishonesty and violence and Ramos was warned that if he continues to offend the court would recommend his deportation.
