A former Vancouver airport security screener who admitted to stealing cash and personal items from travellers has been given a one-year conditional sentence and probation.
Yuriy Ruvinskiy pleaded guilty in August to eight counts of theft under $5,000 related to 28 incidents that took place in February and March of this year, when he was employed by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.
He was sentenced Tuesday in Provincial Court in Richmond.
During a sentencing hearing last month, Crown played videos for the court showing Ruvinskiy pocketing cash, including a $100US bill, and personal items, like a cellphone, and described his actions as "sleight of hand."
Over a span of 24 minutes on Feb. 16, Ruvinskiy committed five thefts.
The stealing came to an end March 8, when a traveller from Indonesia who was heading to Edmonton noticed a $100US bill missing from his wallet after a pre-boarding screening. The tourist spoke to Ruvinskiy's supervisor who called in the RCMP.
A constable reviewed security video, witnessed the theft of the cash and cellphone, noticed Ruvinskiy's lack of hesitation and level of calm and recommended a review of all security videos of the dates he worked.
Ruvinskiy was suspended and subsequently resigned from his job.
Crown was asking for jail time, but according to court records Ruvinskiy was given a conditional sentence, which will be served in the community.
The one-year sentence includes house arrest and conditions such as taking counselling and staying away from Vancouver International Airport.
After serving his conditional sentence, Ruvinskiy will be on probation for one year.
During that time, he must complete 100 hours of community service.
