‘Not Well Planned’: Man Caught Stealing Gin After Pouring Booze Into Flask, Placing Empty Bottle Back on Store Shelf
A 50-year-old man has pleaded guilty to theft from a shop after stealing the contents of a bottle of gin liqueur from an England-based variety store, reported News & Star.
According to the report, the man walked into a Whitehaven Home Bargains on Oct. 24, grabbed two bottles of gin liqueur and emptied one bottle into a flask that he kept in his backpack. The empty gin bottle was then placed back on the store’s shelf.
This seasonal brand of flavored gin liqueur may be the same one that was emptied into the flask. The sweet booze product was quite popular upon its release and reportedly sent consumers dashing to Home Bargains stores to secure a bottle. (Photo: Home Bargains/Facebook)
The gin liqueur’s flavor was described as “elderflower lime and fig.” Based on this description, the emptied bottle of gin was most likely the Home Bargains-exclusive 20% ABV Elf Elderflower, Lime and Fig Gin Liqueur that was released in 2021, originally priced at £7.99 ($9.85).
The man left the store after buying some “sweets” — but “made no attempt to pay for the gin,” News & Star reported. In a later police interview, the man admitted to the offense, mentioning that he might have been high or drunk and had bipolar disorder.
John Cooper, who was defending the man in court, said: “It’s not well planned. Why take a second one and put it back?”
“He was having a problem with drink,” Cooper continued, per News & Star. “He was having trouble with his mental health but he knows that doesn’t excuse it.”
According to News & Star, the man must pay £85 ($104.86 ) in “costs” and a £48 ($59.21) victim surcharge alongside a fine of £120 ($148.04) and £6.99 ($8.62) in compensation to the shop.
Read next:
‘Booze Bandits’ Caught With Car Full of Liquor After Getting Stuck in Afternoon Florida Traffic
Here at Gin Raiders, we do more than write about current events in gin and spirits. We are the only media property reviewing gins and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the gin world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of gin in your morning email, sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter.
Follow The Daily Pour:
About The Daily Pour
Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.
