A woman turned to shoplifting as she came under pressure from bailiffs, a court heard. Denise Clarke racked up around £15,000 in unpaid council tax and other debts — then she was caught stealing pyjamas from a Cardiff lingerie store.
The 48-year-old, of Rhymney Street in Roath, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on May 11 after pleading guilty to theft and having a magnet to remove security tags from items at Victoria's Secret in St David's Centre. Prosecutor Emily Jermin said the defendant and another woman entered the store on November 28 last year. "One of the women was seen walking towards the pyjama section and removing security tags, while the other came over with a carrier bag and put the pyjamas in," said Ms Jermin.
Clarke and her accomplice left the store without paying for the eight pairs of satin pyjamas, which were worth £426.64. Within three weeks the pair had returned to steal again.
"On December 16, the same people were seen entering Victoria's Secret," Ms Jermin added. "This time they went into a different department. One of the women was seen taking off security tags and the other using a bag to put items in. However, they stopped when they saw staff looking at them."
Security called police, who found Clarke in a neighbouring shop. She has six previous offences on her record, including five for theft, most recently in 2012.
Craig Bond, mitigating, said: "This is a lady who has severe financial difficulties. It was as a result of the pressures of bailiffs repeatedly turning up to her address that she felt she had no option but to steal. She owes about £15,000, much of it either in utilities or council tax. She is having money deducted and as soon as it comes in to her account, it is coming out. Bailiffs were calling her at 6am, calling her during the day — that is the main reason for these offences.
"She was working at the time, earning £800 a month and things have since improved. She is now earning £1,500 a month. She has an agreement in place with the council to pay her arrears and council tax, and a payment plan for the rent she now owes. She is also paying off £4,000 to a water company."
Presiding Justice Andrea Webster imposed a £230 fine, £95 victim services surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs. Clarke must also complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity. You can read more court stories here.
To get the latest news from WalesOnline sent straight to your email inbox, including our regular Crime and Punishment updates click here while you can use this tool to check crime reports in your area:
