Hampshire Shop Thief Banned from Wearing Wigs

A Hampshire shop thief has been banned from wearing wigs in an effort to curb her prolific offending.

Rachael Cole, 44, of Warren Close, Whitehill, admitted four offences of shop theft when she appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Friday, 5th December 2025.

The offences placed her in breach of a 20-week suspended sentence imposed by Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Friday, 25th July 2025.

Magistrates heard that the 44-year-old stole £964 worth of goods from shops in Hook and Liphook between 10th November and 1st December 2025.

In one particularly brazen heist, Cole donned a wig to disguise herself before making off with seven bags of dog food from Sainsbury's, Liphook.

Magistrates were of the view that Cole's offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

She was sentenced to 36 weeks' custody, which included activation of the earlier suspended sentence order.

The court also made her subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, which for the next two years bans her from every Sainsbury's and Tesco store in the UK. The order also prohibits her from wearing any wig, hairpiece or face covering to conceal her appearance when entering or inside any retail premises.

Inspector Matt Wake, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said: "Cole repeatedly and brazenly steals from local businesses, even going as far as making a poor attempt at disguising herself with a wig to try and deceive police and shop owners.

"Once she's served her prison sentence, she will face a number of very strict conditions that prohibit her behaviour. If she fails to comply, she will be arrested and brought before the courts once more."

Man Fined for Dorset Harbour Showboating

A man has been fined for exceeding the speed limit in Poole Harbour on a jet ski.

Joshua Selby, of an unknown age and address, admitted an offence of recklessly exceeding the Poole Harbour speed limit on a personal watercraft when he appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 26th November 2025.

This is an offence contrary to Poole Harbour byelaws 2(a) and 2(aa), which has a maximum sentence on summary conviction of a fine at level 3 (£1,000).

Magistrates heard that the offence took place on the afternoon of Sunday, 29th June 2025.

Selby was fined £666 and ordered to pay £1,000 prosecution costs and £266.

Harbour Master Harry Gregory said: "Poole Harbour Commissioners will continue to educate users of their duty of care and raise awareness of the byelaws put in place to protect harbour users, wildlife and property.

"We hope this latest prosecution will serve as a further warning to others. The rules are in place to protect lives and ensure everyone can enjoy their time on the water safely and responsibly.

"If you break the rules, we will act and undertake an average of three to four prosecutions per season."

"Horny and Homeless": Amorous Chester Couple Outraged Public Decency

An amorous Chester couple have been convicted of outraging public decency after engaging in a spot of early morning coitus in the city centre.

Fraser Connelly, 39, and Sophie Lennon, 36, both of no fixed abode, each admitted an offence of outraging public decency when they appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Friday, 5th December 2025.

Outraging public decency is an offence at common law. It is triable either way and has a maximum sentence of 12 months' custody and/or a fine at level 5 (unlimited) on summary conviction; an unlimited (theoretically) period in custody and/or an fine at level 5 (unlimited) on conviction on indictment.

Magistrates heard that the offence took place during the early hours of Saturday, 11th November 2025. CCTV operators observed the couple in action for 20 minutes, presumably just to be sure of what they were up to.

Marta Pawlowska, prosecuting, told the court that the couple were on The Rows, close to Rosie's nightclub, which had closed only a short time earlier. There was therefore some concern that early morning revellers might have copped an eyeful.

The court heard that Connelly made significant comment on his arrest, along the lines of: "Arrested for shagging? I'm horny and homeless. What can I say? I'm sorry."

Both defendants were subject to a community order at the time of the offence.

Richard Thomas, mitigating for Lennon, said that his client was "very embarrassed" at having to appear in court. She had not been interviewed, as the CCTV footage was "sufficient evidence".

Richard Sibbeon, mitigating for Connelly, said his client was "embarrassed and ashamed" at what had happened.

Mr Sibbeon added that the couple had been "overtaken by romantic feeling" and found a "relatively secluded" spot.

Magistrates fined each defendant £50 and ordered them to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and £20 surcharge.

In a similar situation I think I might have been inclined to keep them in for the day, instead of depleting their already very limited means.

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Conditional Discharge for Prolific York Shop Thief

A prolific York shop thief has been handed a conditional discharge for thefts committed less than a week after being made subject to a suspended sentence order for similar offences.

Michaela Allan, 34, of Robinson Court, Walmgate, admitted five offences of theft when she recently appeared at York Magistrates' Court.

Theft is an offence under section 1 of the Theft Act 1968. Shop theft of items under the value of £200 is dealt with as a summary offence, with the maximum sentence of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine. We have previously written an article on the legalities surrounding theft.

Deputy District Judge John Spencer heard that the 34-year-old had been sentenced to 20 weeks' custody suspended for 12 months when she appeared before the same court on Wednesday, 5th November 2025.

She committed further thefts on 8th, 9th and 15th November whilst subject to the suspended sentence order. She also admitted thefts on 27th September and 3rd November, which pre-date it. The total value of goods taken was £281.05.

Craig Robertson, mitigating, told the court that his client, who has 151 previous convictions for theft, had just secured accommodation in a hostel.

"She has always lived on the street, she has always had a heroin addiction," he said.

Mr Robertson warned the court that Allan's accommodation would be at risk if she was given a custodial sentence.

DDJ Spencer, who clearly has a sense of humour, said: "I am going to give you probably your eighth or tenth chance.

"I am going to take an exceptional course because of the work you are doing with probation."

He warned the defendant that if she appeared back before him she would be going straight to prison.

Allan was made subject to a 12 month conditional discharge.

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