Charlotte Jones, a 35-year-old prolific thief, has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after stealing more than £1,000 worth of luxury chocolate from Hotel Chocolat and Waterstones in Nottingham city centre. Jones was already subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order banning her from certain shops when she committed the thefts.
Theft of £851 in chocolate from Hotel Chocolat
In January, Jones was ordered to complete a rehabilitation course after being caught stealing £851 worth of chocolate from Hotel Chocolat. Despite the court order, she continued offending. In June, she was caught stealing £156.79 of chocolate from Waterstones on Bridlesmith Gate.
When arrested, Jones asked the officer, “Why are you doing this to me?” The officer replied, “I saw you walking past my car and you’re wanted, so I got you.” Jones then pleaded, “Can’t you let me go please? I don’t want to go to prison, I don’t need to go to prison. I f***ing hate you guys.”
Court appearance and sentencing
Jones pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was sentenced to 16 weeks in jail. She was also ordered to pay £156.79 in compensation to Waterstones. Sergeant Jono Pothecary of Nottinghamshire Police’s Priority Tasking Team condemned her actions, stating, “Jones is a menace who has caused absolute misery to the shops she has targeted including Hotel Chocolat and Waterstones.”
Police welcome removal from streets
“Having Jones off the streets should be welcomed by Nottingham stores who had to endure her persistent offending,” Sergeant Pothecary added. “I hope this spell behind bars might actually make her think about her actions. She has shown no regard whatsoever for the impact her offending has caused those trying to do an honest day’s work.”
Criminal Behaviour Orders as a deterrent
Sergeant Pothecary highlighted the effectiveness of Criminal Behaviour Orders, which ban offenders from city centre shops and carry the threat of imprisonment for breaches. “Not only does the order ban them from city centre shops but if they breach their order, they are likely to spend time behind bars. I hope this serves as a timely warning to those thinking of doing the same and shows our commitment to tackling business crime in the city centre.”
