BTN News: A couple has recently been sentenced to a four-month ban from entering any Mercadona supermarket after attempting to leave without paying for nearly 400 euros worth of groceries. The incident, which took place on December 23, 2023, just a day before Christmas Eve, saw the couple trying to make off with a cart full of goods totaling 385.52 euros. Their attempt to commit what is commonly known as a “simpa” (leaving without paying) led to legal repercussions that they clearly did not anticipate.
In addition to the ban from Mercadona, the court also imposed a fine of 40 days, with each day valued at three euros, amounting to a total of 120 euros. However, if they fail to pay this fine, they will face arrest as a substitute penalty. The court also required them to cover the legal costs associated with the case. Unsatisfied with this judgment, the couple appealed the decision, arguing that there was an error in the assessment of the evidence and that the ruling lacked sufficient motivation. Despite their appeal, the Provincial Court of Málaga upheld the original sentence, reinforcing the judgment in favor of Mercadona’s interests.
Under Spanish law, the Penal Code in Article 234.1 defines theft (hurto) as taking someone else’s movable property with the intent to gain profit, without the owner’s consent. If the value of the stolen goods exceeds 400 euros, the offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from six to eighteen months. In this particular case, the couple’s attempt to steal goods just shy of that threshold places their crime in the category of attempted theft, which led to a more lenient punishment, including the ban from the supermarket.
The case underscores the seriousness with which Spanish law treats theft, even when it is only an attempt. The court’s decision to ban the couple from Mercadona for four months highlights the importance of deterring such behavior, especially during the busy holiday season when supermarkets are often crowded, and the temptation to take advantage of the situation might be higher.
Mercadona, one of Spain’s largest supermarket chains, has a strict policy against theft and has consistently supported legal actions against those who attempt to steal from their stores. This case serves as a reminder to the public that even attempted theft will not be taken lightly and that the legal consequences can be significant. For the couple involved, what might have seemed like an opportunistic grab before the holidays has turned into a costly legal battle and a four-month ban from all Mercadona stores, making it a memorable lesson in the importance of abiding by the law.
