Asylum seeker jailed after bizarre rare plant biting episode and £3k theft

An asylum seeker has been jailed for stealing from an Oxford University College and "biting" an extremely rare plant. Faida Elhabib, originally from Morocco, stole nearly £3,000 worth of items from Magdalen College and damaged extremely rare plants at Oxford's Botanic Gardens, a court heard.

Oxford Crown Court heard that the 31-year-old stole jewellery, electronics and food from The Professor's House at Magdalen College. Elhabib also broke into a greenhouse at Botanic Gardens, damaging "extremely rare" and unique plants in June 2024. He was jailed for a total of 21 months.

Prosecutor Puneet Grewal told the court that the couple who lived in the Professor's House flat were out of the country at the time of the burglary, when Elhabib stole items with a total value of £2,854.98.

Then, venturing to the Botanic Gardens greenhouse, Ms Grewal said that Elhabib had broken through a window and damaged two "extremely rare" plants, even biting one of them.

The court was informed that the damaged plants were Anthorrhiza-echinella and an Epiphytic orchid. The prosecutor explained that CCTV footage was later sought, with Elhabib identified as the suspect.

"He was living as an asylum seeker in Oxford at the time of the offence," she said. "There must have been a degree of planning and knowing the occupants wouldn't be there."

Jewellery was recovered from Elhabib's hotel room and later identified as the stolen jewellery. While the value of the damage caused to the rare plants was unknown, one of them was described as being the only one of its kind.

The court also heard that Elhabib, whose address was given as Stuart Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, had 11 previous convictions for 16 offences.

Peter Du Feu, mitigating on Elhabib's behalf, told the court his client didn't remember the events.

He said: "He was at the time accommodated in an asylum hotel in Oxford. He does not remember these events, but in relation to the Botanic Gardens, he is not clear.

"He doesn't know why he disturbed the plants and he doesn't remember biting one."

Mr Du Feu also shared that Elhabib had an account of being pursued by the Moroccan secret service, and that he had an "implant" which helped the service "pursue him across Europe".

The lawyer told the court that Elhabib has two kidneys and three hearts.

Mr Du Feu continued: "[Elhbaib] says he does not have solicitors helping with his asylum application. He is trying to do that himself."

After jailing Elhbaib for 21 months for his offence, recorder John Bate-Williams told him: "I take account of your mental disorder, which must have been influential on your behaviour.

"The outcome of your asylum application must be uncertain. It's imperative in my view to seek assistance from a solicitor to help with your asylum application."