19th February 2008

Homeless chef jailed

Homeless chef jailed after living at Gatwick for 3 years

A homeless chef was locked up today after making Gatwick airport his home for 3 years. It would appear that he was previously jailed for a string of thefts from passengers whilst living at the airport in 2005.

Anthony Delaney ate, showered and slept at the busy airport, brushing off security staff that stopped him more than 30 times. He told his lawyers he was happy staying at the airport, because he was clean, dry and warm. In fact he rarely left the south terminal, only popping out occasionally to collect his Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Lewes Crown Court was told he did not suffer mental heath problems, was neither a drug nor alcohol addict and did not cause ‘a stink’. The court was told that he had repeatedly defied an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo). Even when he was jailed for breaching his Asbo, he returned to the airport as soon as he was released, passing his day watching holidaymakers and airline staff going about their business.

Mr. Delaney yesterday admitted breaching his order for the third time. The court heard that he was sentenced to 95 days in prison for the breach when he appeared at the same court on 10th January. Because he spent time behind bars on remand waiting for his court appearance, he was release immediately. He then made his way back to the south terminal later the same day.

Judge Richard Hayward remanded Mr. Delaney in custody for sentence believing his urge to return to Gatwick would be too strong, should he be released. He said “It’s a bit cheeky to go straight back to Gatwick. There are other places you can have a shower. This is just going on and on. It is very strange.

A spokeswoman for Gatwick airport declined to comment.

For accommodation and parking please go to www.hotels-gatwick.com

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