A skilled thief, Marcel Sandu, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing perfumes worth over £30,000 from Manchester Airport's duty-free shop.

Sandu, aged 32, executed four thefts from the World Duty Free store during the summer of 2022 and July 2023. His scheme unraveled when a customs officer in Jersey found him with 79 perfume bottles, leading to his arrest.

Initially, Sandu claimed the perfumes were given to him by another person. However, a prohibition order found in his bag revealed his ban from Glasgow Airport, contradicting his story.

Following the discovery on July 12, 2023, in the Channel Islands, Sandu was arrested at Luton Airport upon his return to mainland Britain the same day. His recent act involved stealing perfumes worth £9,018.

In 2022, Sandu and an accomplice, Tascu, conducted similar operations at Manchester Airport. They employed fake identities to enter the airport in the early hours and moved expensive perfumes to discounted shelves before transferring them to bags.

The first operation on May 31, 2022, resulted in the theft of 84 Chanel and Dior perfumes valued at £4,039. On June 6, the duo stole Chanel perfumes worth £12,036. Three days later, they returned for Tom Ford and Chanel perfumes valued at £9,165.

These thefts amassed a total value of £34,916, of which £9,018 was recovered. Sandu's accomplice, Tascu, received a 12-month sentence in November 2022 and has since been deported.

During his court appearance via video link from HMP Liverpool, Sandu expressed remorse and apologized for his actions, attributing his crime to financial struggles affecting his family.

The judge sentenced Sandu taking into account the previous sentencing of his co-defendant and the principle of totality. The concurrent sentences will take effect immediately.