EasyJet Attendant Stole £30k Tobacco to Fund Cocaine Habit

A Manchester Crown Court heard that Lyren Maddix, 29, stole more than £30,000 worth of Amber Leaf tobacco from Manchester Airport to finance a worsening cocaine addiction, avoiding an immediate prison sentence. The easyJet cabin crew member had worked for the airline for over eight years and was described as a valued employee. Prosecutors said a colleague discovered forced-open storage crates in the early hours of January 28, 2025, and CCTV later identified Maddix as the thief. He used his security pass, attended on a day off in full uniform, and even boarded an aircraft. Police found tobacco packets at his home. He had stolen 26 times between August 4, 2024, and January 28, 2025.