BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM — An Ethiopian asylum seeker has been warned that a shoplifting conviction could affect his application to remain in the United Kingdom.
Andargachew Hailu, 32, admitted stealing goods worth £325 from a Primark store in Birmingham. He appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to shop theft linked to an incident on April 15.
The court heard that Hailu needed a translator during the hearing.
Hailu lives in Rugby, Warwickshire. He is unemployed and receives £50 a week through asylum support payments.
His solicitor, Farzana Begum, told the court that he has been struggling financially. She also said he suffers from depression and is under pressure because his girlfriend is 28 weeks pregnant.
According to the defence, some of the items were bought for his girlfriend after he realised she needed larger-sized clothing.
The court heard that security staff recovered all of the stolen items. As a result, the retailer did not suffer any financial loss.
Ms Begum told the court that her client was deeply sorry for what happened. She said he accepted responsibility for his actions and regretted the offence.
Despite his remorse, Deputy District Judge Olwen Davis warned Hailu that criminal offences can create problems for people seeking asylum in the UK.
“Even relatively trivial offences like this have the capability of affecting your asylum claim,” the judge said.
She also urged him to avoid further trouble.
“You really need to keep out of trouble if you are seeking asylum,” she added.
The judge fined Hailu £50. He was also ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge. The total amount he must pay is £110.
The case serves as a reminder that criminal convictions can have wider consequences beyond the courts. For asylum seekers, even minor offences may be taken into account when immigration authorities review their cases.
