A woman known as the “poshest thief” in the UK has stolen £12,000 worth of alcoholic beverages from Sainsbury’s but has avoided imprisonment despite a previous theft incident. Pauline Al Said, 35, a former lecturer at Bath Spa University, gained notoriety in 2024 for stealing over £1,000 of high-end cookware, wine, gin, and steaks. Along with her husband, she received a fine of £2,500 for their involvement in multiple thefts from a garden center and Marks & Spencer.

Al Said, from Southampton, recently evaded jail time once again after being given a suspended sentence for her latest crime spree. She was found guilty of shoplifting items totaling £11,964, including expensive vodka, gin, prosecco, and wine, over a nine-month period. To conceal the stolen liquor, the intelligent thief placed Disney dresses and dressing gowns on top of them in her shopping trolleys.

Despite a sustained shoplifting spree targeting Sainsbury’s, where she stole alcohol and meat on six separate occasions, Al Said was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence. The judge also ordered her to repay £1,800 to Sainsbury’s and prohibited her from entering the supermarket during her sentence, noting her focused theft pattern against the chain.

During sentencing, Judge Gary Lucie acknowledged Al Said’s remorse and intelligence, opting for a suspended 44-week custody term for the high-value thefts committed over nine months. He mandated her attendance at 28 rehabilitation days due to doubts about her compliance with a community service order. Al Said, who now goes by the name Pauline Tusien, has started a website offering life and career mentoring services, emphasizing wellbeing support and providing guidance during challenging times.