A man has been sentenced to more than three years in a Spanish prison for a burglary where he stole the equivalent of just £1.30 from a cash register.
Forced Entry for Minimal Haul
The incident occurred in the early hours of October 21, 2024, in the southern Spanish city of Huelva. The defendant targeted a closed petrol station on Avenida Cristóbal Colón, forcing his way inside shortly after 2.30am. Prosecutors stated he gained entry by forcing open a window, causing damage to the property.
Once inside, he tampered with equipment behind the counter, including a computer and a cash register that was not in operation. From the till, he took €1.48, approximately £1.30. He was arrested shortly after leaving the scene and returned the stolen money.
Why a Minor Theft Became a Major Crime
Despite the tiny sum taken, authorities classified the offence as robbery with force due to the forced entry and property damage. The petrol station confirmed it suffered no additional losses and did not seek financial compensation.
However, the case took a decisive turn when heard by Criminal Court No. 2 in Huelva. The judges considered the defendant's extensive criminal history, which included previous convictions for burglaries of both homes and commercial premises.
The Crucial 'One Day' in Sentencing
The court ruled that a custodial sentence was unavoidable, sentencing the man to three years and one day in prison. Under Spanish law, this extra day is critical. Sentences exceeding three years fall into a more severe category, significantly limiting options for suspension or probation.
While first-time offenders with sentences up to three years may sometimes qualify for early release, such leniency is far more restricted for repeat offenders. Legal representatives have indicated they intend to appeal, seeking to ensure the aggravating factor of repeat offending is fully reflected in the ruling.
