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‘Little Britain’ shoplifter seen climbing out of wheelchair to steal in Marks and Spencer | ‘Little Britain’ shoplifter seen climbing out of wheelchair to steal in Marks and Spencer |
(about 5 hours later) | |
A woman has been sentenced to 14-weeks in prison for pretending to be disabled while shoplifting, in scenes compared to the comedy sketch show Little Britain. | A woman has been sentenced to 14-weeks in prison for pretending to be disabled while shoplifting, in scenes compared to the comedy sketch show Little Britain. |
Leoni Clare was filmed on CCTV entering a branch of Marks and Spencer in Finham, Coventry in a wheelchair. | Leoni Clare was filmed on CCTV entering a branch of Marks and Spencer in Finham, Coventry in a wheelchair. |
Footage showed her and a man, who was pushing the wheelchair, browsing the shelves before the 28-year-old got out of her wheelchair unaided and placed a number of items in her rucksack. | |
She was also seen concealing items in her coat in scenes reminiscent of Little Britain characters Lou and Andy, who would climb out of his wheelchair when no-one was looking. | She was also seen concealing items in her coat in scenes reminiscent of Little Britain characters Lou and Andy, who would climb out of his wheelchair when no-one was looking. |
Lou and Andy in Little Britain (Getty Images) West Midlands Police identified unemployed Clare, of Holbrooks in Coventry, after releasing the footage of the incident last month on social media. | Lou and Andy in Little Britain (Getty Images) West Midlands Police identified unemployed Clare, of Holbrooks in Coventry, after releasing the footage of the incident last month on social media. |
Clare pleaded guilty to theft counts in relation to the M&S incident and another at a pharmacy at Coventry Magistrates' Court. | Clare pleaded guilty to theft counts in relation to the M&S incident and another at a pharmacy at Coventry Magistrates' Court. |
The force is now appealing for information about her alleged accomplice, who remains at large. | |
Investigating officer PC Michael Harkin said: “Clare is a prolific shoplifter and this offence was particularly distasteful. | Investigating officer PC Michael Harkin said: “Clare is a prolific shoplifter and this offence was particularly distasteful. |
"I hope the custodial sentence will give her time to contemplate the seriousness of what she has done.” | "I hope the custodial sentence will give her time to contemplate the seriousness of what she has done.” |
Anyone who can identify the man in the CCTV footage should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | Anyone who can identify the man in the CCTV footage should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. |
Additional reporting by PA | Additional reporting by PA |
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