Every once in a while, a story comes along that leaves us scratching our noggins. Making us ponder over the ordeal through the lens of our moral values. We can’t help but think whether that action truly deserves to be punished under the rule of law?
One such incident happened recently. Rizwan Ashraf, a Pakistani man seeking asylum in the UK, was recently arrested in a Debenhams outlet for stealing up to £1,000 worth of perfumes (200,915 PKR approx). He conspired to sell the perfumes and send the money back home to his mother.
About Debenhams
Debenhams is a British multinational retailer that operates department stores all over the UK. The company was founded in the 18th century as a single store and has since expanded to 178 different locations across multiple countries.
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Justifiable or not?
Rizwan was caught stealing the perfumes from the Leicester Highcross branch of the chain. He brought along his own personal bag to nick the perfumes.
After loading up his bag with a few items, he made his way to the exit.
Little was Rizwan aware of the fact that the security guards were watching him on CCTV cameras. They detained him before he made his escape.
28-year-old Rizwan pleaded guilty to his crimes on Friday at the Leicester Magistrates Court.
Prosecutor Sukhy Basi released a statement regarding the incident:
“The defendant entered the store and was seen on CCTV to pick items up and place them in a personal bag. He decided to steal perfumes because he thought they would be easy to sell to women. His intention was to approach women in the street and offer to sell them. He said he had never done this before. He said he was nervous and when no one approached him in the store he continued to put items in his bag.”
Ashraf’s attorney Jagvir Sangherre described how his client has spent £13,000 to escape Pakistan and seek asylum in England.
“He came to the UK because he feared persecution due to his personal circumstances. His own family turned their back on him due to his activities in Pakistan and they published in a newspaper they had nothing to do with him, and so he was isolated.”
“He arrived in the UK and is prohibited from working, prohibited from benefits, does not have any accommodation and he hadn’t eaten for two days.
“He is very sorry for what happened. He feels very guilty. He’s let himself down.”
The Verdict
Mr. Sangherre requested the magistrates to give Ashraf a conditional discharge. They agreed to it and granted Ashrag a 12-month conditional discharge.
Devoid of any money or benefits. Aslam was ordered to sit in court for the rest of the morning in lieu of the £21 victim surcharge he should have paid the court.
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