Yahoo News Designer goods thief stole more than £5,000-worth of items from shops in Eldon Square and Metrocentre
A serial designer goods thief stole more than £5,000-worth of items from shops in the Metrocentre and Eldon Square.
Time and time again, Nikki McMahon targeted stores including John Lewis and Fenwick, helping herself to expensive handbags, sunglasses and perfumes. Despite being caught on one occasion, the brazen 19-year-old was undeterred and continued her stealing spree over a two-month period.
A court heard that the total value of goods stolen by the crook was £5,268, taken from high-end shops on seven occasions. Most of her loot was never recovered, leaving stores thousands of pounds out of pocket.
READ MORE:Northumberland man facing jail after hitting young child in the face
READ MORE:Teenage cyclist in critical condition after colliding with VW Golf in Newcastle
However, this week, justice finally caught up with McMahon, of Edward Road, in Birtley, Gateshead, after she pleaded guilty to seven counts of shop theft. Paul Coulson, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said the offences happened in May and July this year.
Firstly, the teen, who has 22 offences on her record, including 17 for theft, targeted John Lewis, making-off with £257-worth of Stanley flasks. Ten days later, she went into the same store and helped herself to £832-worth of Prada sunglasses.
Mr Coulson continued: "Then, on May 20, the manager at Victoria Secrets, in the Metrocentre, said she observed some missing stock at the premises. She, therefore, checked her CCTV.
"Footage from 6.15pm shows two females select goods from displays, with one concealing them in a bag before leaving the store without paying. Female pyjamas and fragrances were taken. The defendant then re-entered the store and more items were stolen. The goods taken totalled £954."
The court heard that, on July 12, McMahon stole from both John Lewis and Fenwick, taking perfume worth £838 from the former and handbags and flasks, worth £540 from the latter. On that occasion, McMahon was detained in John Lewis and the goods were recovered, Mr Coulson said.
Undeterred by being caught, McMahon went on to steal sunglasses, worth £1,821, from the Sunglasses Hut, in the Metrocentre, on July 26 and £26-worth of pyjamas from Primark, in the Metrocentre, on September 18.
Michael Crowe, defending, said McMahon had suffered a difficult childhood and had a number of family members in prison. He added: "She's got a range of issues - they are to do with her mental health."
McMahon was given an 18-month community order and must do 100 hours of unpaid work.
