Portsmouth shoplifter in court for taking diesel and driving without insurance

Selena Hemms, 36, of Tipner Road, Stamshaw, previously pleaded guilty to jointly stealing alcohol and groceries worth £217.57 from Tesco in Petersfield on April 22 last year.

The theft happened a month into the first lockdown.

She also admitted making off with £20 worth of diesel without paying on the same day, and driving without insurance at BP petrol station in Winchester Road, Petersfield.

Hemms was today due to stand trial over an incident outside the Marmion Tavern in Marmion Road, Southsea, on August 23 last year.

As reported, a man was jailed for three and a half years for driving his Fiat Punto into a second man in a prolonged street battle between two warring groups.

The victim needed four stitches to his head.

Hemms was due to stand trial at magistrates’ court accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence.

But prosecutor Rachel Bailey told the court a witness had failed to arrive at court - and offered no evidence.

The case against her was dismissed by magistrates.

Hemms will be sentenced for the theft, making off without payment and driving without insurance on May 6.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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