Shoplifter with nearly 100 convictions banned from Leeds city centre

A shoplifter with nearly 100 convictions to her name has been banned from Leeds city centre for three years.
Chatelle Mitchell's criminal record goes back to 1995Chatelle Mitchell's criminal record goes back to 1995
Chatelle Mitchell's criminal record goes back to 1995

Chantelle Mitchell, of Broadway, Horsforth, has a record of 91 thefts from shops in the city going back to 1995.

Her latest conviction was for stealing two jackets, worth £200, from Blacks in The Core shopping centre on October 13, when she was chased and caught after using a foil-lined bag to conceal the garments.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mitchell, 38, was jailed for 31 weeks by Leeds magistrates this week for the theft and for committing the offences while on a suspended sentence.

But she was also given a three-year criminal behaviour order banning her from entering the city centre.

Deputy District Judge Andrew Jebb told Mitchell: “Businesses in the area are entitled to a rest from your activities”.

Mitchell must stay out of an area bordered by and including the Inner Ring Road, Willow Terrace Road, Calverley Street, Portland Street, Great George Street, Inner Ring Road, Westgate, East Parade, King Street, Wellington Street, New Station Street, Swinegate, The Calls, High Court, Kirkgate, St Peters Street and Eastgate except to attend court, probation or solicitors by prior written appointment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If she breaches the ban she will be liable for arrest and further prosecution.

Criminal behaviour orders came into force in October last year and are aimed at tackling the most serious and persistent offenders.

Superintendent Sam Millar, who heads Safer Leeds, said: “We are continuing to make full use of this legislation to target those whose criminal and anti-social behaviour has had an ongoing detrimental impact on local communities.

“The granting of this latest order is another good illustration of how the police and council are working together to provide long-term solutions to issues that affect local people’s quality of life.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We hope it will provide some reassurance to local businesses and residents while also serving as a warning to others of the action they can expect to face if they continue to cause problems in our communities.”

Coun Mark Dobson, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, added: “As a partnership we are continuing to work closely with businesses in the city centre through a variety of different ways to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and it is positive news that through the courts we have been able to secure a criminal behaviour order against this prolific shoplifter.”

Sean Walker, manager for Business Against Crime In Leeds (BACIL) said: “BACIL appreciates the court’s understanding of what a problem Chantelle Mitchell has been to the retailers in the city centre and Crown Point. We will work closely with the police to ensure that she complies with the conditions of the order.”