Serial thief caught stealing vegan chocolates from Hotel Chocolat in Sunderland
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They told Sonia Neil, 59, of Warwick Terrace, New Silksworth, she could expect to go to prison if she did not start playing ball and stay out of trouble.
She appeared in the dock at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court to plead guilty to three counts of shop theft.
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Hide AdJust six days earlier, she was hauled into the same court for three other admitted same offences for which she was sentenced to a community order.
Her latest crimes post-dated the earlier matters but were committed while she was on bail for them and knew she was awaiting sentence.
Neil’s new offending began on Monday, January 13, when she tried to steal £120 of trainers from retailer Primark’s outlet in the Bridges shopping centre.
She returned to the same city centre retail zone two days later to pinch £59 of goods from Hotel Chocolat, prosecutor Glenda Beck said.
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Hide AdAnd on Sunday, January 19, she made off with £83 of shoes from footwear firm Deichmann, also in the Bridges.
Mrs Beck added: “Staff from Hotel Chocolat noticed there had been a shoplifting and CCTV was viewed.
“It showed a female taking two boxes of vegan chocolates, concealing them in her clothing and leaving.
“Security in Primark saw her walking towards the women’s clothing aisle and concealing items. She was apprehended by security and the items recovered.
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Hide Ad“In Deichmann, she took three pairs of shoes. The items were not recovered. She admitted the offences.”
Sophie Allinson-Howells, defending Neil, who has 59 previous offences of shoplifting, said: “These matters occurred days before her earlier sentencing.
“They are similar in nature and were committed for the same criminogenic need which is an addiction.
“I ask that you allow the community order to remain untouched, she isn’t in breach of it.”
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Hide AdMagistrates ordered Neil to pay full compensation to Hotel Chocolat and Deichmann, with £85 court costs and a £56 victim surcharge.
Gary Cracknell, chair of the bench, told her: “This court is sick and tired of people ignoring court orders and going out and offending.
“If you breach that community order - you’ve missed one appointment - it will be breached, and you will go into custody.”