Two jailed after shop theft at Wolverhampton Mander Centre

Samantha Skidmore and James Bennett both appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Friday charged with theft, with Bennett also charged with possessing a knife.

The pair had been arrested in Wolverhampton city centre earlier in the week following a theft in the Mander Centre.

Skidmore, 43, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, while Bennett, 36, also of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said prior to the court appearance: "Two suspected thieves are due in court today after items were taken from a store in Wolverhampton's Mander Centre.

"Samantha Skidmore, aged 43, and James Bennett, aged 36, both of no fixed address, are set to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court charged with theft.

"Bennett is further charged with possessing a knife.

"It comes after officers on patrol arrested two people yesterday morning in the city centre following a theft earlier in the week. A knife was also recovered.

"Theft and retail crime are a priority for us and our teams regularly work with businesses in a bid to prevent crime and identify those involved in criminal activity.

"If you have information, please call us on 101 or Live Chat online."