A woman from Swansea has been sentenced to prison following a violent theft at a local Tesco Express, where she assaulted a security guard whilst attempting to leave the shop without paying for goods. Leanne Rees, aged 37, was brought before Swansea Crown Court after a dramatic incident at the city centre store left both staff and shoppers shaken.
According to the details revealed in court, the incident unfolded last month at the Tesco Express on St Helen’s Road. Rees, who does not have a fixed address, entered the store in the afternoon and proceeded to help herself to various items, including ready meals and multiple steaks. In what appeared to be a calculated move, she concealed her haul underneath her jacket inside the store, while also picking up a bottle of laundry detergent.
Situations of this nature are, regrettably, not uncommon in high street shops across the country. However, the incident in question took a violent turn when Rees was challenged by the store’s security guard. Upon being confronted as she neared the exit, Rees denied attempting to steal the items. When the security guard attempted to prevent her from leaving, she struck him in the face with the detergent bottle. The rapid escalation of the encounter left the guard momentarily stunned.
Rees then managed to flee the shop, still in possession of most of the stolen goods. The security guard pursued her and was subsequently assaulted again with the same bottle. Witness accounts and in-store CCTV footage later corroborated the aggressive nature of the theft, further strengthening the case against her.
After leaving the scene with the stolen items, Rees was eventually detained by police. She was located on The Kingsway by an officer, although by that time she no longer had the goods in her possession. Police arrested her and initiated proceedings that would lead to her prosecution and sentencing.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Rees was no stranger to the criminal justice system. The prosecution highlighted her extensive criminal record, listing 36 previous convictions, the majority of which were related to theft and similar offences. Prosecutor Sian Cutter informed the court of Rees’ history and described the events of the day in detail.
In her defence, barrister Steven Burnell made representations on her behalf, suggesting that Rees had been struggling financially, specifically with issues related to the receipt of benefits. He conveyed to the court that Rees expressed a great deal of remorse for her actions, acknowledging the seriousness of both the theft and the violence towards the security guard.
Presiding over the sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters commented on the unsettling nature of the crime, noting the necessity for modern retailers to employ security personnel—a reality that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. He described the actions of Rees as “helping herself” to items, underscoring the brazenness of the theft.
After considering all aspects of the case, including her previous offences and the violent element of the crime, Judge Walters sentenced Leanne Rees to two and a half years in prison for the single count of robbery to which she pleaded guilty.
This latest incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by local businesses, as thefts and related violence remain a pressing concern. Shop staff and security face increasing risks, as illustrated by this case, which serves as a sobering reminder of the realities many retail workers confront on a daily basis.