Prolific shoplifter banned from parts of Wallsend caught stealing again
Gemma Rowell, who is not allowed to enter stores in Wallsend town centre, Battle Hill and Middle Engine Lane under a three-year CBO, helped herself to toiletries from Next
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA prolific shoplifter who is banned from certain areas in North Tyneside in a bid to curb her criminality has been back up to her usual tricks.
In November last year, Gemma Rowell was made subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which meant she faced arrest if she entered stores in Wallsend town centre, Battle Hill and Middle Engine Lane. It followed months of the 35-year-old blighting retail premises in the area, clocking up more than 33 offences, including 22 for theft, on her lengthy record.
But the move failed to stop the brazen thief, who was given a suspended sentence in June this year after being convicted of shop theft. And, this week, she was back in the dock once more, this time to plead guilty to stealing toiletries, worth £70, from Next at the Silverlink.
Rehana Haque, prosecuting at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court, said Rowell entered the retail giant on March 30 this year. She added: "While at work, a staff member saw the defendant enter the shop.
"Due to her being well-known to him for shoplifting, he viewed CCTV and saw her put several items into a bag for life and leave the shop without payment. It was toiletries."
The court heard that Rowell, who was on a community order given for shop theft in October 2023 at the time, made no comment during police interview. Mark Harrison, defending, said Rowell's offending was "thoughtless and unsophisticated".
Mr Harrison continued: "This offending occurred in the run-up to a trial, where she was a witness. She would say her anxiety levels were through the roof. It doesn't excuse the conduct but it provides a backdrop."
Magistrates gave Rowell a six-month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay £70 compensation.
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