Ladislav Boldezersky, 55, had drunk vodka and six litres of cider
AN ALCOHOLIC father-of-three with 18 previous theft convictions drank six litres of cider before stealing a woman’s handbag on Christmas Eve, a court heard.
Czech national Ladislav Boldezersky, 55, was captured on CCTV taking the handbag from a table at The Ernest Willows pub in Roath, Cardiff.
Michael Curry, prosecuting, said the defendant stumbled past the victim’s table, droppped something and took the woman’s bag while recovering his own items.
The victim’s family managed to locate Boldezersky on a nearby street and recover most of the items. However, a smaller handbag and a lip-gloss were not found.
The probation service told Cardiff Magistrates Court that on the day of the offence, Boldezersky had consumed six litres of cider as well as beer and vodka.
The court heard that this was not unusual for Boldezersky, who drinks daily from the moment he wakes up.
“When arrested and interviewed, the defendant could not recall what had happened due to the drink. He had consumed a lot of alcohol,” said Mr Curry.
David Thomas, defending, noted the “low-value” nature of the stolen goods and highlighted that many of the defendant’s previous convictions had been abroad.
The probation service said Boldezersky, who moved to the UK in 2009, had described himself as an alcoholic and “8 out of 10” intoxicated.
The defendant, who has lived at Cardiff’s YHA hostel on East Tyndall Street for three years, is on the waiting list for council accommodation.
He has worked as a cleaner and chef but has been unemployed since 2012 due to ill health. He is currently awaiting back surgery.
The court heard that Boldezersky grew up in a children’s home from the ages of 6-18, and believes this is linked to his alcohol dependency. The court proceedings were relayed to him by a translator.
The probation service said the defendant had previously failed to comply with community service orders but stressed that Boldezersky knew that if he received a custodial sentence he would lose his partner of three-years and his accommodation. He also has three children by his former partner of 40 years.
Boldezersky, who pleaded guilty to theft by finding, was sentenced by Magistrate Ian Smith to a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days.
He has also been referred to a nine-month Dyfodol alcohol treatment programme and must pay a £120 fine, £114 surcharge, £85 court fee, and £45 compensation for the missing items.
