A Sittingbourne woman has been sentenced to eight months in prison after repeatedly stealing from a local supermarket, in defiance of a court order banning her from the premises.
Series of Thefts
Shelley Earnshaw, 31, targeted Morrisons in Milton Regis on more than ten occasions between Sunday, 29 December 2024, and Saturday, 11 January 2025. Over the two weeks, she stole items including meat, cheese, alcohol, household goods, and hygiene products, with a combined value exceeding £850.
Earnshaw was already subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) issued in September 2024, which prohibited her from entering the store for three years. Her actions breached the terms of this order.
Arrest and Sentencing
Kent Police officers arrested Earnshaw on Saturday, 11 January 2025, after her repeated offenses. She faced 22 charges related to theft and breaches of her CBO. Earnshaw pleaded guilty to all charges at a hearing on Monday, 13 January, and was immediately sentenced to 8 months’ imprisonment by magistrates.
Police Statement
Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster commented on the case, saying:
“Earnshaw showed complete contempt for the court order to which she is subject, which is in place to protect businesses and the local community. I am pleased that a custodial sentence has been imposed and hope that this sends out a clear message: that we will not tolerate shoplifting, which is never a victimless crime, and will always strive to bring offenders to justice.
Community Impact
Shoplifting offenses, while sometimes dismissed as minor, have significant impacts on businesses and the local community. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing bans and punishing violations to protect businesses from repeat offenders.
