A woman known as the “poshest thief” in the UK has been found guilty of stealing £12,000 worth of alcohol from Sainsbury’s. Despite having avoided prison in the past for a similar offense, Pauline Al Said, a former lecturer at Bath Spa University, managed to escape jail time once again after her most recent theft spree.
Al Said, residing in Southampton, was caught stealing a total of £11,964 worth of items, predominantly high-end alcohol, during a nine-month shoplifting binge to support her drug habit. The thefts were cleverly concealed in her shopping trolleys beneath Disney dresses and dressing gowns.
The judge sentenced Al Said to an 18-month suspended prison term and ordered her to repay Sainsbury’s £1,800. Additionally, she is prohibited from entering the supermarket while serving her sentence due to her repeated targeting of the chain. Judge Gary Lucie acknowledged Al Said’s remorse but emphasized the seriousness of her prolonged theft campaign.
Despite the substantial value of the stolen goods, the judge opted for a suspended sentence based on Al Said’s potential for rehabilitation and the belief that she would not comply with community service. Al Said, who now goes by the name Pauline Tusien, has transitioned to offering life and career mentoring services through a website, signaling a positive change in her life.
