Donna Kemp, 40, of no fixed address, has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment at Basingstoke Magistrates Court following thefts from two shops in the town and an assault on a member of the public during the incidents.
Kemp stole food valued at £34.14 from Marks & Spencer in Chineham on 9 June. During this incident, she assaulted a man within the store, inflicting a split lip and cuts to his finger. She also threatened him using the bottom half of a metal can.
Three days later on 12 June, Kemp stole food and drink worth £5 from One Stop on Sherborne Road.
Following her arrest, she was charged with:
- Theft from a shop (two counts)
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place
Kemp admitted guilt to all charges and received her sentence on 4 July.
Basingstoke Inspector Charlie Ilderton commented: “Donna Kemp is a prolific offender, and we recognise her actions have significantly impacted our local businesses, shop workers and community.
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“Our officers treat all reports of shoplifting and assault with utmost seriousness and I hope this outcome provides reassurance to the community that we will do everything possible to bring offenders before the courts.”
Shop owners and staff are urged to continue reporting shoplifting incidents. Police can take action, including arrests, charges and securing court convictions with this information.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. For crimes in progress, dial 999.
