London Tuk-Tuk Driver Avoids Jail After Returning £31K Stolen Wine

Iuliu Kubola, a 61-year-old tuk-tuk driver, was sentenced to 20 months in custody suspended for two years after admitting to stealing £31,000 worth of fine wine and champagne from three high-end restaurants in Mayfair, Belgravia, and the City of London. He committed six burglaries, including a notable raid where he stole 73 bottles hidden in a wheelie bin loaded onto his pedicab. Kubola demonstrated remorse by assisting police in recovering some of the stolen wine, with 32 unopened bottles valued at approximately £6,687 returned so far, which influenced the judge's decision to suspend his jail term. Despite this, significant damage and loss were caused, particularly at Piazza Italiana. When arrested, Kubola admitted the wine was for drinking, and he claimed his theft was a reckless decision due to not being paid for his work, rather than confronting restaurant owners for his salary. The recovery process is ongoing, and Kubola's case highlights the unusual circumstances of theft involving a pedicab driver and high-end establishments.