A Pembroke Dock woman who went on a high value shoplifting spree as ‘an act of desperation’ was this week brought before Haverfordwest magistrates for sentence.
On March 20, 2022 Shannon Charge, 27 stole alcohol valued at £268.85 from Tesco, Milford Haven. The alcohol comprised four bottles of Smirnoff vodka, a bottle each of Gordon’s pink gin, Bacardi rum and Jack Daniels whiskey, three bottles of AU vodka and a box of laundry tablets.
Ten months later, Charge embarked on yet another major shoplifting spree, this time in Haverfordwest. The thefts included clothing from Sports Direct, cosmetics, alcohol and clothing from Home Bargains and B&M and more clothing items from Poundland.
Charge, of Pater Court, Pembroke Dock was arrested by police officers and conveyed to Haverfordwest police station. During her interview she was found to be in possession of pepper spray which is classed as an offensive weapon.
This week Charge pleaded guilty to five charges of theft from a shop and of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
She was represented in court by Mr Stuart John.
“At the time of the offences my client was homeless and the people she was seeing resulted in her actions,” he said. “This was an act of desperation.
“Since then, she has made a considerable effort to get support and says that this is a fresh beginning for her.”
After considering pre sentence reports from the probation service, district judge Mark Leyton sentenced Charge to 14 weeks in custody suspended for 18 months.
“These were high level thefts,” he said. “And when you commit offences like this against local stores it does have an impact. Shops are closing because of the economic situation yet people like you continue to steal from them.
“You also went out with a weapon that could have harmed people quite considerably. These offences cross the custody threshold.”
