Criminologist and husband shoplifted steak, booze and Le Creuset cookware

A CRIMINOLOGY lecturer has been convicted of stealing highend cookware, steaks, wine and gin worth more than £1,000 in two shoplifting sprees.

- Allister Hagger

Armed with a security tag remover, Pauline AI Said was caught trying to take alcohol and gifts from a garden centre.

When she was confronted, her husband Mark Wheatcroft threatened to punch the store's security guard, a jury heard.

The following year, undercover security guards in a branch of Marks & Spencer found 34-year-old academic AI Said with 33 thick-cut sirloin, rib eye and fillet steaks piled in a trolley.

Stopped

After representing themselves at their trial at Salisbury Crown Court, Wiltshire, AI Said was found guilty of two charges of theft and Wheatcroft, 56, of assault and one count of theft.