A former criminology lecturer who stole Le Creuset cookware and raided a Marks & Spencer steak aisle while armed with a de-tagging device has been found guilty of theft.
Pauline Al Said, 34, formerly a senior lecturer at Bath Spa University, attempted to steal more than £1,000 worth of Le Creuset cookware, “high-value” steaks, wine and boutique gin from a Sussex garden centre and a branch of M&S during shoplifting sprees in December 2021 and September 2022, Salisbury crown court was told.
Al Said, who represented herself during the trial, was found guilty of two charges of theft this week. Her husband, Mark Wheatcroft, also known as Mohammed Al Said, was found guilty of one charge of theft and one of assault.
Laura Duff, for