A serial shoplifter has been remanded in custody by Bath magistrates while she awaits sentence.
Samantha Selway | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
Samantha Selway, of Loxton Drive, Twerton, committed eight thefts from the One Stop store at The Hollow in Southdown in July and August, despite having been banned from entering the shop following four shoplifting offences in June in which she took food, wine and cleaning products totalling more than £200.
At her court appearance in June, Selway had admitted the thefts and also jointly stealing a £19,000 car with co-accused Ben Rixon.
The vehicle belonged to a manager at Lidl on Lower Bristol Road and was stolen from the supermarket’s car park. Selway had got in as a passenger; there was subsequently a collision and the vehicle was extensively damaged.
Magistrates had ordered a pre-sentence report and bailed Selway on condition that she kept away from One Stop and had no contact with her co-accused in the car theft.
The One Stop shop on The Hollow in Bath
But Selway then committed a string of further thefts from One Stop, to which she pleaded guilty when she appeared in custody at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27th August.
The 35-year-old admitted:
- Stealing chocolate, health and beauty items, meat and alcohol worth £250 on 17th July.
- Walking out without paying for household items to the value of £150 on 19th July.
- Stealing household, health and beauty and frozen items worth £152 on 31st July.
- Shoplifting Cadbury’s Milk Tray chocolates worth £80 on 11th August.
- Stealing chocolate and household items to the value of £130.65 on 14th August.
- Shoplifting twice on 18th August – taking wine and chocolate worth £50, and pet food and health and beauty items worth £100.
- Stealing £100 of fresh meat on 19th August.
The court heard that she has suffered from anxiety for years and had been stealing to fund her alcohol and drug habit and to feed her two dogs. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had imposed sanctions and she had no income.
Magistrates were told that Selway had apologised for the thefts and admitted she needs help and support, despite missing appointments.
The court also heard she has more than £3,000 in outstanding fines.
Selway was remanded in custody. A pre-sentence report will be prepared, and she will be brought back to the court for sentencing on 17th September.
