A man has been charged with the theft of luggage from Gatwick Airport, after a a mother-of-two lost her luggage whilst breastfeeding
A man has been charged with the theft of luggage from Gatwick Airport, after a a mother-of-two lost her luggage whilst breastfeeding. John Brooks, 52, of Brighton Road, Crawley, is also accused of criminal damage.
The alleged offence happened at about 6pm on October 30 in Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal. The alleged thief was seen leaving the Zone A area via the Southern Walkway and Ring Road towards the B2036 Balcombe Road.
The victim told MyLondon that she left her luggage outside the baby room as it was ‘too small’ to fit the luggage trolley in. The mum said it must have been five minutes between closing the door and learning her stuff had vanished.
She said the loss left her ‘shaking and frightened’ and ‘has not been able to sleep’ as a result of the alleged incident. She added she will ‘speak to a therapist about it’.
Brooks will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on November 25. A police official said: “A man has been identified and charged as part of a police investigation into the theft of luggage from London Gatwick Airport. The incident had been reported to Sussex Police at about 6pm on Thursday, October 30.
“Luggage was reported stolen from the South Terminal, and a suspect was seen leaving the Zone A area via the Southern Walkway and Ring Road towards the B2036 Balcombe Road. Police issued an appeal to identify a man they wished to speak with in connection with the offence.
“We can confirm officers arrested a man following this appeal.” Brooks is set to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on November 25, the spokesman added.”
A London Gatwick spokesperson has said: “We are aware of a theft of an unattended bag on 31 October, which is being investigated by Sussex Police. We are in contact with the police and remain available to support their investigation.
“We have specially equipped rooms for breastfeeding and baby changing located throughout the airport, including check-in areas, departure lounges, transfer areas and arrivals. The rooms are clearly signposted by a baby care symbol and are designed to meet the needs of all passengers, with enough space for those travelling with luggage trolleys.
“For more info on travelling with children visit our website – Travelling With Children | London Gatwick Airport.”
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