Romanian Woman Jailed for Shoplifting Faces Deportation

A 47-year-old woman has been sentenced to four months in prison and will be deported after being caught shoplifting at B&M Bargains in Wrexham. 📦

Lucia-Nicolta Vaduva, of no fixed abode, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday where she admitted stealing goods worth £68.13 from the store on Monday.

The court heard that security staff spotted Vaduva entering the shop with a large, empty-looking black bag. CCTV footage showed her taking numerous items from the health and beauty section before moving to the electronics department and leaving without paying.

When questioned by police, Vaduva said she was stealing the items to send to her children in Romania.

Prosecutor Helen Sidhu revealed that Vaduva has six previous convictions for 13 offences, with 10 of them being theft-related. The court also learned that Vaduva is subject to a deportation order.

“She is subject to that deportation order indefinitely now, therefore she has no right to be in the UK and will be subject to removal at some point,” confirmed a probation officer.

Defence solicitor Pierce Blythen told the court: “She is fully aware of the gravity of the situation, given her previous convictions, and that sentencing options are limited today. She is subject to the deportation order, and as such regardless of the sentence, the outcome will be the same.”

Chair of the Magistrates, Jacqueline Jones, told Vaduva: “You have received a custodial sentence in the past for theft and you’re still stealing. For the theft from B&M this week, you will receive an immediate custodial sentence and the Home Office will be informed. It will be for them to organise your deportation.”

In addition to her prison sentence, Vaduva must pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge. ⚖️