A SHOPLIFTER has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods from stores in Truro and St Austell.

Georgiana Roua, 27, of Minorca Lane in Bugle, had claimed to be stealing for her children, but was in possession of jewellery, men’s clothing and an air fryer.

She admitted stealing items worth a total of £621.59 from TK Maxx in Truro on March 11, over £500 worth of goods from the same shop on June 7 and £80 worth of goods on June 15; as well as about £300 worth of goods from TK Maxx in St Austell on March 6, and £170 worth of goods from The Range in Truro on July 20.

Magistrates noted this was “a deliberate, repeated and targeted shoplifting spree”. Roua acted with others but took the leading role in a planned crime which included the use of getaway drivers.

Roua appeared at Truro Magistrates Court on Wednesday, October 21. She was given a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £300 compensation.

The magistrate said the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, adding: “You maintain you were stealing for your children; however, you were stealing jewellery, men’s clothes and an airfryer. There is no doubt that this as crossed the custody threshold.

“However, you have shown some remorse and there has been no further offending, so we believe there is a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation.”