Pensioner accused of charity shop harassment claims she is the victim

A PENSIONER accused of launching a campaign of harassment against staff at charity shops told a jury she thought she was the victim of bullying.

Jeanne Wilding is on trial at Leeds Crown Court where she is accused of breaching an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by allegedly entering shops and causing “harassment, alarm or distress.”

Incidents are alleged to have taken place at the premises of Emmaus and St Vincent’s shops in Leeds.

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The prosecution claims Wilding, 64, shouted at staff, refused to leave or stay away when asked and tried to leave without paying for items.

On one occasion, officers from West Yorkshire Police were called and Wilding was led away in handcuffs.

Wilding, of Millwright Street in Mabgate in Leeds, faces seven charges of breaching an anti-social behaviour order.

Giving evidence yesterday, Wilding denied being abusive or threatening during the alleged incidents while being questioned by her barrister, Deborah Smithies.

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Referring to the occasion when she was handcuffed, she said: “It is my clear recollection that any disturbance that was caused was by the staff at Emmaus.

“And it was only the police who breached the peace.”

Describing the way she behaves during confrontations, she told the court she tended to “go into a steely calm mode”.

She added: “My dad had always said ‘do not let people bully you – stand your ground’.

“It is something I have lived with for 60-odd years. It’s in my DNA.”

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Wilding said she had long been a supporter of both charities, and had written letters to those in charge of both organisations in her capacity as the chair of a charity which helps ex-offenders set up in business.

Miss Smithies asked: “One might wonder on hearing evidence in this case why it is that you seem to complain more frequently than most. Is that something you can help us with?”

She replied: “This may sound grand, but complaints and accountability are the only things that stop us being tyrannical. Especially if you are a public offcial such as myself.”

The trial continues.