In a surprising turn of events, a university criminology lecturer is now facing prison time after a high-profile shoplifting spree.
Pauline Al Said, a 34-year-old former senior lecturer from Bath Spa University, has been caught stealing over a thousand pounds worth of goods.
Her haul included premium Le Creuset cookware, high-end steaks, fine wines, and gin.
The first incident occurred at the Old Barn nursery garden centre in Horsham, West Sussex.
On December 14, 2021, Pauline was spotted by loss prevention officer John Dunkling pushing a trolley loaded with two bags, which seemed unusual.
Upon reviewing CCTV footage, Dunkling saw Al Said heading towards the exit with the bags, without paying.
When stopped, the bags were found to contain £400 worth of spirits, including Mermaid brand gin and spiced rum, as well as Le Creuset cookware and a condiment set.
The total value of the items was £581.48.
Confrontation and Arrest
Things took a turn for the worse when Pauline’s husband, Mark Wheatcroft, became verbally aggressive and physically confrontational with store security.
He reportedly hit and threatened a security guard.
Both Pauline and Mark, who are from Southsea, Hampshire, were detained by the police, and their details were recorded.
The second theft occurred on September 30, 2022, at Marks and Spencer on Winchester High Street.
Pauline was seen by an undercover security detective loading packets of meat into her trolley.
Upon realizing she was being watched, she attempted to flee but was apprehended. Her trolley contained around 33 steaks, six bottles of red wine, and three bottles of white wine, totaling £570.42 in stolen goods.
Court Proceedings
Pauline and Mark, who chose to represent themselves in court, were found guilty of multiple charges this week.
Pauline was convicted of two counts of theft, while Mark was found guilty of one theft charge and one count of assault.
During the trial at Salisbury Crown Court, Pauline argued that they intended to establish a background that would support their case, though their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
The Final Word
As the case concludes, both Pauline and Mark are set to be sentenced at a later date.
Despite their claims of innocence and attempts to present factual evidence, the jury’s decision stands, marking a dramatic end to the high-profile case involving a criminology lecturer and her husband.
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