An Isle of Wight woman stole more than £500 worth of items to order from TK Maxx last summer, and kicked a store employee trying to stop her.
Emma Knight, of Hunnyhill, Newport, was sentenced at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday (November 28).
In September, the 21-year-old admitted assault by beating, possession of cannabis and eight counts of shop theft in Newport between May 23 and August 15 — all at TK Maxx.
On August 15, Knight fled along Pyle Street, after concealing items in her bag.
A TK Maxx loss prevention officer chased and caught her.
As he held her arm, Knight shouted she was pregnant and demanded he let go.
When he insisted she return to the store with him to return the items, Knight kicked his shins and threw punches, which missed, said Serena Edwards, prosecuting.
Police arrived and arrested Knight. A search revealed a tin of cannabis and stolen clothing still on their hangers.
In total, she stole £508.64 worth of goods over the three-month shoplifting spree, of which £465.99 was never recovered.
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Knight had a previous shoplifting conviction from January last year. Miss Edwards said her latest offences showed a degree of planning.
For Knight, Oscar Vincent said the life of his client had become “horrendous” after a relationship breakdown — living day-to-day without income and in the early stages of pregnancy.
He said "so-called friends" Knight relied upon, persuaded her to steal items, in exchange for small sums of cash — and even giving her a list of items to take.
Regarding the scuffle, Knight claimed she had been “manhandled” and was left in pain.
“She was scared and struggling with her mental health. Sadly, she has since lost her child,” Mr Vincent said.
Jobless Knight has since distanced herself from those associates.
Magistrates imposed an 18-month probation order, which includes 80 hours’ unpaid work and ten rehabilitation sessions, to help her manage finances, her mental health and housing issues.
She must also repay TK Maxx £465.66 and £50 to the victim in compensation.
