A woman with an extensive criminal record has been jailed after assaulting a victim and stealing her mobile phone in Newport. Sinead Sandell, 37, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court following a distressing incident in which she punched her victim and took her black Nokia mobile phone.
The court heard that the theft took place on 30 March, when Sandell approached a woman on Francis Drive. Without warning, Sandell engaged the individual, who was known to her, from behind. The confrontation quickly escalated, with Sandell reportedly saying, “You know what you’re doing.” The surprised victim, unsure of what was happening, responded by asking “What?” Sandell then replied, “Don’t make me repeat myself.”
As the victim, who was speaking on her mobile phone at the time, tried to walk away from the situation, Sandell violently grabbed her phone and punched her in the back of the head. Although the injured party described the blow as a “weak punch”, she recounted that Sandell made off with the phone after the assault, leaving her shocked and shaken.
The authorities were quickly alerted, and Gwent Police arrested Sandell a short time later. She was subsequently charged, and later pleaded guilty, to offences of theft and common assault.
During sentencing proceedings, the court was told of Sandell’s substantial history with the law. She has accumulated 36 previous convictions, predominantly for shoplifting and other theft-related offences. At the time of the incident, she was actually already subject to a community order, having previously stolen from a branch of Tesco.
Defence barrister Kathryn Lane offered mitigation on Sandell’s behalf, explaining that her client’s criminal behaviour was, in many ways, motivated by a long-term struggle with drug misuse. Lane informed the court that Sandell was “stealing to provide a means to an end” and said that her client was “genuinely remorseful” for her latest offences. Lane added that being remanded in custody had had a “positive effect”, as Sandell was now free from class A drugs, raising fresh hopes for rehabilitation.
Passing sentence, Judge Richard Kember considered Sandell’s extensive criminal history, alongside her personal struggles and recent progress. Ultimately, he imposed a custodial term of 34 weeks.
The case has drawn renewed attention to the challenges faced by those with drug dependencies who may turn to crime, as well as raising ongoing concerns about public safety in the community. Some observers suggest more support and intervention for offenders with long-standing addiction issues could prevent future offences and help individuals rebuild their lives.
Local residents have expressed concern about safety in their neighbourhoods in light of repeated incidents involving repeat offenders. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting crimes promptly so that swift action can be taken.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between crime, addiction, and rehabilitation, an issue frequently debated in both political and community circles here in Wales and beyond. As Sandell begins her prison sentence, the hope remains that she may be able to break the cycle of offending and pave a new way forward upon her release.
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