Woman stole £1400 of shopping from Bishop Auckland Tesco:
Tracey Spensley, 33, of Salvin Street, Croxdale, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 6, 2025, where she pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from the supermarket between August and November 2024.
The court heard that Spensley targeted the store on multiple occasions, stealing items including whiskey, candles, cleaning products, food, gift sets, chocolates, and washing pods.
The total value of the stolen goods amounted to over £1,400.
For the theft on August 15, 2024, involving food valued at £150, magistrates imposed a fine of £120, along with £330 in compensation.
She was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £48 victim services surcharge.
For the remaining offences, no separate penalties were imposed, but her guilty plea was taken into account for all charges.
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Prosecutor Sara Kemp, representing CPS North East, outlined the impact of the thefts on the store and the financial loss incurred.
Defence solicitor Paul Donoghue noted Spensley’s early guilty pleas and cooperation with the proceedings.
The court approved a collection order to recover the financial penalties through benefit deductions, with Spensley required to pay the lump sum within 14 days.