A crook caught trying to steal 13 bottles of wine and Champagne has been branded a 'tourist shoplifter' by the judge who jailed him.
Marius Gheorgh, 38, and an accomplice attempted to shoplift £500-worth of champagne from the CostCo store in Trafford Park on June 28.
Gheorgh, from Romania, was branded a 'tourist thief' by a judge at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday (August 5).
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Prosecuting, David Lees said: "Mr Gheorgh and another man went to CostCo in Trafford Park on June 28 at around 1.15pm.
"There were noticed by the staff because another incident three days before.
"There was no evidence of an offence committed on that day but they were known to staff based on the CCTV in store.
"They then saw them take 13 bottles of alcohol, primarily Champagne, valued at around £500, and then attempted to leave the store without making any payment.
"Both men were arrested when the police were called."
Mr Lees said Gheorgh had already been in trouble twice in this country for theft.
He received a community for stealing £300-worth of alcohol from Asda in Knutsford on May 5, plus a 24 month criminal discharge for resisting or obstructing a constable.
The defendant was given another 12 month community order for theft in Lincolnshire in June.
In addition, Gheorgh had 18 convictions from Romania, Germany, Italy, Austria and Sweden - all primarily for theft.
Defending, Adam Watkins said Gheorgh had come to the UK to find legitimate employment but had 'sadly' resorted to shoplifting.
Mr Watkins said: "He is discovering that it most certainly does not pay.
"He cuts something of a miserable figure in prison. His agitation is because he is struggling with that environment.
"He doesn't speak the language and says he is struggling with an untreated arm injury."
Judge Mark Savill branded Gheorgh a 'tourist shoplifter'.
Sentencing, Judge Savill said: "It seems to me that when work is available, you work.
"But when it isn't, you steal. That is unacceptable."
Gheorgh, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 18 weeks after pleading guilty to theft.
