Thief struck at two big stores

A thief is due to be sentenced after she stole confectionary and dog treats from two stores at a Chesterfield retail park.
Pictured is B&M Bargains, at Ravenside Retail Park, on Markham Road, Chesterfield.Pictured is B&M Bargains, at Ravenside Retail Park, on Markham Road, Chesterfield.
Pictured is B&M Bargains, at Ravenside Retail Park, on Markham Road, Chesterfield.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, August 16, how Laura Michelle Rawson, 24, of Derby Road, Chesterfield, struck at B&M Bargains before also stealing from Pets at Home on the Ravenside Retail Park, on Markham Road, Chesterfield.

Prosecuting solicitor John Bunting said: “This defendant and another person were in B&M Bargains and concealed £20 worth of confectionary and left without paying.

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“They then went to Pets at Home and got a ball launcher but left with other goods and Rawson didn’t pay and both were stopped and the defendant admitted not paying for the goods.”

Rawson told police she had gone shopping and had not intended to steal but saw an opportunity when no staff were around and she stole the sweets for personal use and took the dog treats to sell on.

She apologised, according to Mr Bunting, and she added that she wanted to get caught because she knows she is having difficulties and she needs support.

Rawson pleaded guilty to the two thefts which were committed on May 12.

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Defence solicitor Denny Lau explained Rawson had been in a troubled and difficult relationship which ended in February and she became homeless.

He said: “She accepts seeing an opportunity and saw these items and stole them. She said if she had got away with it she would have sold them on.”

Mr Lau added: “She knows she had made a mistake getting involved with a certain someone. She could have had a career and could have had a different way of life.

“Her issues are being resolved and she’s looking forward to the future.

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“She’s got to build her confidence and become stronger and needs to know that she doesn’t need to rely on others like her ex-partner.”

Magistrates adjourned the case until Thursday, August 18, to consider a probation report before sentencing Rawson. The defendant was released on unconditional bail.