Banned city shoplifter recognised through her 'tattoo'

In September last year, police successfully obtained a five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) against repeat offender Danielle Nicholson, aged 36.

That CBO banned Nicholson from entering a long list of stores. Police said she had “targeted” city businesses and shown “little regard for the rule of law”.

In November, Nicholson flouted the order by entering a Co-op store in Central Avenue, Harraby. She stole two sandwiches and two Red Bulls. A district judge imposed a 24-week prison sentence.

Nicholson was released from custody on licence but went on to commit more offences on two different dates early this year.

Prosecutor Diane Jackson told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court that the first of these took place at Sainsbury’s in the city, at around 4-30pm on 6th January. A female member of staff was made aware of two woman in the store walking towards the exit. One was Nicholson.

“She has has turned and looked and saw a tattoo of lips on her neck,” said Mrs Jackson. “She instantly recognised her to be Miss Nicholson.”

CCTV showed Nicholson had walked to one aisle, selected items valued at £39.60 which she put into a bag before leaving the store without making any payment for the products.

While on bail for that offence, Nicholson flouted the CBO on 19th February by entering the Co-op on Stonegarth. She did so twice on that day, firstly with two other people, selecting a large quantity of meat which was put into a handbag and basket.

Nicholson left but returned to the same shop a short time later, selecting washing tablets and detergents. “Leaving, again, without making any payment,” said Mrs Jackson.

In court today (tues) Nicholson, who gave her address as Rydal Street, Carlisle, pleaded guilty to three thefts and one CBO breach.

Defence solicitor Anthony Wilson, mitigating, said Nicholson had been initially released from custody, partway through the 24-week prison sentence, with no income and no accommodation.

“She has been living sofa to sofa, at friends’ places,” said Mr Wilson.

One friend intimated that she should contribute towards household expenses. “The only way she could think to do that was to go stealing. She didn’t have any money to pay for things,” said Mr Wilson. “It is an act of desperation rather than pure evil.”

Nicholson was subject to recall to prison in respect of the November sentence, the court heard.

For the latest offending, magistrates imposed an immediate 14-week jail term, concluding that custody was the “only option”.