A scrap metal dealer was caught red-handed pinching valuable titanium components from a university research site.
Liviu Rostas, 46, swiped titanium plates and titanium cylinders valued “into five figures” from the Advanced Forming Research Centre in Renfrew.
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Paisley Sheriff Court heard Rostas claimed he thought the pricey components were actually scrap metal lying around the yard at Inchinnan Road, Renfrew, which is run by the University of Strathclyde.
Procurator fiscal depute Kirsten Brierley said: “A witness was at the rear of yard, which is operated by the University of Strathclyde.
“The yard is used for deliveries for the research centre and the perimeter is fenced off and there are gates, which were open at the time of the incident.
“At around 11.35am on September 26, 2018, a witness observed the accused in the rear of the yard where he was moving various items of metal, including titanium plates and cylinders.
“They were put in the back of a vehicle.
“The witness contacted his manager, who informed him there were no scheduled uplifts of metals from the yard on that day.”
The court heard the witness approached Rostas, who claimed he was there “collecting
scrap”.
However, Rostas could not provide a name or any details about when he had arranged this
uplift.
The prosecutor added: “Another witness attended and looked inside the vehicle.
“The witness say a quantity of titanium plates and cylinders belonging to the research centre within the vehicle.
“The accused was asked to remove these items and he did so, then he left the yard.”
Rostas was reported to police, who tracked him down via his registration plate.
Cops also viewed CCTV footage and took statements at the centre.
Yesterday, he appeared in the dock with his interpreter where he pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing a quantity of titanium plates and cylinders.
The court heard the value of the items ran “into five figures”, but no actual cash value was read out in court.
Defence agent David Mitchell said his client, who has been in the UK for more then three years, worked as a scrap metal dealer.
He said: “He maintains he was given permission in the past to take metal from the premises.
“He accepts he did not seek permission in this case.
“He accepts he put it in the van and he accepts he returned it when he was approached by the employee.”
Sheriff Bruce Erroch QC told Rosta, of Napier Drive, Govan: “What you did was dishonest and you know it was dishonest.
“It is fortunate that the valuable metal was recovered.
“I will give you credit for the fact that you have pleaded guilty.”
He fined Rostas £680, reduced from £800, for his admission of guilt.
