Holly Cotter, 33, of Cei Tir Y Castell, Barry appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court after admitting a series of theft offences committed between January and May 2026.
The court heard that the defendant “targeted” several stores, including Tesco Express, Superdrug and Boots, stealing goods worth hundreds of pounds.
Among the offences were the theft of chocolate worth £45 from Tesco Express on Holton Road, Barry, on January 14, and cosmetics worth £147.56 from Superdrug on Holton Road on February 17.
A week later, on February 24, Cotter stole Easter eggs and items worth £133 from Tesco Express in Herbert Street, Penarth.
She also admitted stealing multiple items worth £178.98 from Boots on Holton Road, Barry, on March 2.
In a further series of thefts from Tesco Express stores in Barry, Cotter stole Lindt and Cadbury chocolate worth £120 on April 27, a large quantity of chocolate bars worth £176.40 on April 30 and more chocolate worth £43 on May 4.
Cotter pleaded guilty to all the offences on May 29.
The total value of the stolen goods amounted to £843.94.
Magistrates ordered Cotter to pay compensation to the affected retailers, including Tesco Express, Superdrug and Boots, for the full value of the stolen items.
For the offences, the court imposed a 10-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
Court records state that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, citing Cotter’s history of offending and what magistrates described as “targeted offending”.
However, the sentence was suspended because the court considered there to be a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
Cotter is already subject to a crown court suspended sentence containing rehabilitation requirements.
The suspended prison terms were ordered to run concurrently.
Cotter was warned that she could be sent to prison if she commits further offences during the 12-month suspension period.
