UK Criminology Lecturer Faces Deportation After Shoplifting Spree

A former criminology lecturer, who styled herself as 'Britain's poshest thief,' may be deported from the United Kingdom following a shoplifting spree valued at thousands of pounds. The Home Office has informed Polish-born Pauline Al Said, 36, who received a suspended jail sentence, that she will be removed from the country if she does not file an appeal by next month.

Al Said, who previously lectured at Bath Spa University, had her claims to remain in the UK on human rights grounds dismissed after being convicted of shoplifting offenses amounting to £11,964. These convictions stemmed from six separate trips to a Southampton Sainsbury's between June 2024 and July 2025, where she stole items including vodka, gin, prosecco, and wine.

Judge Gary Lucie sentenced Al Said to a 44-week jail term, suspended for 18 months. He stated that she focused on stealing high-value items that could be easily sold to fund drug use. In a separate case in 2024, she was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court of stealing £1,000 worth of goods, including Le Creuset cookware, premium steaks, wine, and boutique gin, from Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.

During court proceedings, Al Said's legal representative, Emily Jarrod, noted that Al Said had ended her marriage to Mark Wheatcroft, 58. Wheatcroft was remanded on conditional bail after pleading not guilty to charges including sexual assault, actual bodily harm, strangulation, and breaching a non-molestation order.

Al Said was banned from Sainsbury's for 18 months and ordered to attend 28 rehabilitation days. Despite the judge noting her 'genuine remorse,' the Home Office official concluded that 'the public interest in deporting you outweighs your right to a private and family life.' Al Said's mother and sister reside in the UK, and she was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2021. She argued that her deportation would violate her human rights.

Under her maiden name, Tusien, Al Said offers 'life and career mentoring' services on her website. A source close to Al Said claims she has stopped using drugs and alcohol.