Police fury as serial thief who stole £2k of drinks from Greggs avoids jail time

Detailed summary

Under new rules aimed at easing prison overcrowding, almost all sentences of less than a year are suspended.

A repeat shoplifter who stole £2,000 of soft drinks from one branch of Greggs has been given a suspended jail term – sparking fury from police.

Tiffany O’Neill, 28, has been arrested, charged and remanded to court 11 times since May, the Metropolitan Police said.

She appeared for sentencing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, having admitted 80 offences, and was given a 26-week sentence suspended for 12 months.

Under new rules aimed at easing prison overcrowding, almost all sentences of less than a year are suspended.

Sergeant Chris Wilkinson, who led the investigation, said: “Our officers worked relentlessly over several months to build the evidence needed to bring this prolific offender before the courts.

“Despite multiple arrests and repeated offences, we remained focused on securing a positive outcome for our community. Her persistent offending caused repeated distress to staff, harmed the business and placed a significant demand on police resources.

“We recognise that courts are obliged to follow the guidelines on suspending sentences, but it’s obviously a disappointment that someone who we know has reoffended so frequently is now back out in the community.”

O’Neill was repeatedly released on bail despite breaching her bail conditions and going back to the same branch of Greggs on Electric Avenue, Brixton, the force said, adding that officers had spent 120 hours on the case.

She was also banned from entering the borough of Lambeth and was supposed to wear a GPS tag, however this was never fitted, and she failed to turn up to court on three occasions, having to be arrested each time.

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