Shoplifting spree lands woman 12 week jail term

Tara Cowell pleads guilty to four charges of theft

A woman who went on a fortnight-long shoplifting spree in Douglas with her boyfriend has been jailed.

Thirty-five-year-old Tara Lee Ashlyn Cowell of Cronk-y-Berry in Douglas appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas courthouse.

She pleaded guilty to four charges of theft, while a fifth was withdrawn.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the hearing Cowell and her boyfriend were spotted on CCTV stealing wine and cider from the Spar store on Bucks Road.

Later, staff at Boots in Strand Street saw her taking items of makeup, and she was also caught stealing snacks in the Spar store on Douglas Promenade.

She was also caught on CCTV taking items from Mace on Bathurst Street without paying for them.

The court heard she'd committed two of the thefts while on bail for the first two.

Mrs Hughes said despite the items only being worth around £30, Cowell's repeated offending meant a jail term.

Cowell was sent to prison for 12 weeks.