Thieving Sunderland mum banned from North Yorkshire town for being part of shoplifting gang

High-risk offender Sarah Conway, 29, of Capetown Road, Hylton Castle, acted as one of two lookouts while a fellow crook pinched from shops in Northallerton, a court heard.

Conway and another pal worked together to keep staff at Boots and other retailers occupied while their accomplice stole high-cost perfumes and other goods.

When their two-day ruse was rumbled by CCTV, Conway’s car was found with a knuckle duster and a security de-tagger under the driver’s seat, magistrates were told.

Police also discovered she had driven the 40 miles from Wearside without a licence or insurance on one day of the crime spree, which happened on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29.

Conway must now pay fines, court costs and compensation of almost £400 – and has been banned from Northallerton for a year.

Prosecutor Marc Atkins told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “On August 28 the defendant was with two others and entered Boots.

“One co-accused was seen on CCTV to take items from shelves and put them on her person. The second co-accused was seen distracting staff.

“The defendant and the first co-accused were then seen entering the Barkers store.

“The same second co-accused was seen on CCTV going to the perfume shelf and taking bottles of perfume.

“At the same time, the other co-accused and the defendant were seen to be distracting staff and acting as lookouts.”

Mr Atkins added: “The next offence was the following day when again the defendant and a co-accused are seen entering Boots.

“Staff were aware of the particulars of the day before. The defendant was seen to leave and make her way down the high street.

“There was a Peugeot 308 parked in a car park, and the police arrive. Perfumes, clothing and alcohol are found in the vehicle.

“A check shows she has no insurance or licence. The defendant and the two co-accused are arrested.

“A knuckle duster and de-tagger are under the seat. The weapon wasn’t used to cause fear, it wasn’t used.”

Alaister Naismith, defending, said: “It crosses the community threshold. The Probation Service report gives ample support to suspend any sentence.

“She cares for a child and she cares for a friend as well.

“She has no intention of going back to Northallerton. The police will be looking for her if she does go back.”

Conway pleaded guilty to three charges of shop theft, going equipped for theft, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and possession of an offensive weapon at an earlier hearing in North Yorkshire.

Magistrates labelled Conway, who has 21 previous convictions, including four thefts, as “high risk” of further offending and sentenced her to an 18-month community order.

It carries a requirement of 20 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service and 150 hours on unpaid work.

She was banned from driving for a year, fined £120 and must pay £85 court costs, a £95 victim surcharge and £98 compensation.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.