A Romanian who was caught red handed stealing £5,000 worth of copper wiring in Biggleswade, was given an unusual sentence today (Friday).
Judge John Bevan QC said he wanted to pass a sentence that would "limit his ability to lurk about at the dead of night stealing other people's copper".
That was after hearing that Nicolai Floricel had a conviction in 2007 for stealing a ton of copper lead in Warwickshire and another for stealing aluminium in Welshpool earlier this year.
Floricel, 24 who uses four different aliases was assisted by an interpreter during his hearing at Luton Crown Court.
Daniel Siong, prosecuting said on Feb 5 this year at 3.30am police received a report of a suspicious van outside European Metal Recycling at the railway sidings.
Police arrived to find five men loading metal into the back of the van. They all ran off but Floricel was caught by a police dog.
All the high value copper wiring was recovered.
Judge Bevan told Floricel, from Oldbury, West Midlands; "You profess to be a Christian then think about one of the Commandments - Though shall not steal."
He said the theft of metals was becoming an increasing problem.
Alex Radley, defending said; "He was the only one caught and has stayed around the face the music. He is working and paying taxes and wishes to make a better life here."
