A former EasyJet flight attendant was sentenced after stealing more than £30,000 worth of tobacco products to fund a cocaine addiction, Manchester Crown Court heard. Lyren Maddix, 29, who worked for the airline for over eight years, was caught stealing tobacco from Manchester Airport on multiple occasions between August 2024 and January 2025.

The court was told that Maddix, based at Manchester Airport, took packets of Amber Leaf tobacco that were intended for sale during flights. CCTV footage showed him entering restricted areas of the airport on a day off while wearing his EasyJet uniform and using his staff pass, even boarding an aircraft. Investigations revealed he stole tobacco on 26 separate occasions, with a total value of £30,082.

Maddix admitted to selling the stolen tobacco to a shop to cover drug debts and to buy cocaine. Prosecutors said he was stealing so frequently that he likely lost track of the number of thefts. Following the discovery, Maddix lost his job with EasyJet and now works at a Tesco store.

In court, defense lawyer Betsy Hindle stated that Maddix had no prior criminal record and was considered a valued employee who loved his job. However, she highlighted that he faced mental health challenges and felt he did not receive adequate support, which contributed to his use of drugs as a coping mechanism.

Recorder Ben Lawrence acknowledged the seriousness of Maddix’s offenses but noted his potential for rehabilitation. He sentenced Maddix to one year and four months in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed 250 hours of unpaid work alongside ten rehabilitation days. Additionally, Maddix was ordered to pay costs amounting to £300.

Maddix, who resides in Northampton, will serve the rehabilitation requirements and community work under the suspended sentence arrangement, with the court expressing cautious optimism about his prospects for recovery and reintegration.