Wrexham woman spared jail after stealing from Chata Polska

Jessica Williams, of St David's Crescent, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old admitted one offence of assault, one of assaulting an emergency worker and a further charge of theft from a shop.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that on May 17, Williams entered the Chata Polska store in Penybryn.

She approached the till to pay for three cans of beer, but it appeared she was already drunk - so the cashier followed the correct procedure in line with the store's alcohol licence and refused to sell the beer to her.

In response, Williams said she'd take the beer anyway, before putting them under her blouse and walking out.

She was challenged by the manager of the Chata Polska outside, but would not listen.

Williams scratched the victim's face and pulled her to the ground by the hair, punching her to the mouth as she fell.

When the police arrived, they were directed to Bellevue Park, where Williams had gone with her friends.

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Bellevue Park in Wrexham (Staff) (Image: Staff)They found her drinking one of the beers she'd stolen, and it was clear she was in an intoxicated state.

As the police made to arrest her, the defendant kicked an officer to the shin with such force that she fell back.

Despite her foul language and lashing out, Williams was eventually handcuffed and when asked about assaulting the officer, she said: "She deserved it."

Ms Jackson explained the defendant had 11 previous convictions for 20 offences, five of which were for theft and five were for offences against the person.

Euros Jones, defending, asked the court to take into account his client's prompt guilty plea.

He told the court there was two sides to the confrontation, explaining the staff member who had challenged his client had been "very enthusiastic in her attempt to get back the beer."

The court heard Williams had consumed 'four pints' prior to the incident, and was "disappointed in herself," having managed to keep out of trouble for some four years.

After interviewing Williams, a probation officer told the court: "She explained she'd been out for food with friends and was a bit frustrated she couldn't get served alcohol because of the friends' level of intoxication.

"She did try and give the money for the alcohol.

"She realises that under the influence of alcohol, she wasn't thinking as clearly as she would when sober.

"Regarding her binge drinking behaviour, when she gets the opportunity for a day off and her child's being taken care of, she goes a bit mad and doesn't know when to stop."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "Shopkeepers are in a very vulnerable position.

"They provide a valuable service to the community and they are not going to be able to survive if people continue to steal from them.

"Whatever you do has an impact on others."

He handed down a total custodial sentence of 18 weeks, but suspended it for 12 months.

Williams must undertake 15 rehabilitation activity days and a 120 day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.

She was also prohibited from entering the Chata Polska for a year and must pay compensation of £300 to the manager, £250 to the police officer and £4 to the shop for the stolen beers - in addition to £85 costs.