A THIEF has been convicted of stealing thousands of pounds worth of watches and jewellery from the shop where he worked.

Romario Lawson briefly worked at the airside Ernest Jones outlet at the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport in December 2019.

The 33-year-old actor left the job after less than one month.

During this time, staff noticed high-value items including watches, earrings and gold rings had gone missing.

A full stock check revealed more than £48,000 worth of items were missing, and at the end of 2019 the matter was reported to Sussex Police.

Detectives at Gatwick CID launched an investigation, and Lawson was listed as wanted by police.

Despite attempts to locate him for voluntary interview or to arrest him, he remained at large.

The Argus: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Diamond Bracelet Watch worth £9,040 (pictured) and an Omega Globemaster Aqua Terra Men’s Two Colour Bracelet Watch worth £8,700 (pictured)Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Diamond Bracelet Watch worth £9,040 (pictured) and an Omega Globemaster Aqua Terra Men’s Two Colour Bracelet Watch worth £8,700 (pictured)

Lawson was located in February 2022 and arrested on suspicion of theft.

At interview he admitted taking the items, and told officers that he felt “disgusted” with himself so did not sell them on.

Lawson had taken the job to pay for his fees at an acting college, but he realised that he would not be able to balance working in the role with his studies, which was when he decided to steal the items.

At Lewes Crown Court on May 6, Lawson, of Mostyn Road, Lambeth, admitted the charge of theft by an employee.

The court heard how the most expensive items were an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Diamond Bracelet Watch worth £9,040 (pictured) and an Omega Globemaster Aqua Terra Men’s Two Colour Bracelet Watch worth £8,700 (pictured).

Lawson was sentenced to a 16-month suspended prison sentence, and was told to complete 40 hours of unpaid work and 12 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Mark Baker said: “Lawson stole several high-value items including seven watches and items of jewellery.

“He originally told officers from the Metropolitan Police Service that he was given watches on commission for his work.

“Fortunately all items were recovered as part of the investigation, and Lawson was caught.

“The case demonstrates that we take reports of theft at the airport very seriously, and we are pleased that the offender was apprehended and brought to justice.”