Woman jailed after stealing parcel off doorstep in Shifnal

A woman has been sentenced to 29 weeks in jail for stealing a parcel off a doorstep in Shifnal.

Sally Bushell, of no fixed abode, appeared at Telford Magistrates Court on Friday (October 23) where she pleaded guilty to one count of theft.

The court heard during the hearing how the 43-year-old took the parcel, of an unknown value, from the doorstep of a property in Shifnal on Monday, October 12.

Bushell was later identified as the thief, arrested and charged with the offence last Thursday.

During the hearing the court heard how Bushell was given a suspended sentence for shop theft earlier this year.

As a result of this offence, the suspended sentence was triggered and Magistrates ordered her to serve a 29-week custodial sentence.

Inspector Damien Kelly, from Shifnal's Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Stealing parcels from people's doorsteps is an opportunistic crime that causes needless distress to victims. Thanks to the swift investigation by patrol officers Bushell was identified and charged with the offence.

“Bushell chose to commit this offence despite already serving a suspended sentence for previous theft offences. As a result, she has now been handed a custodial sentence.

"We hope this outcome sends a clear message that theft will not be tolerated and that offenders will be held accountable for their actions.”