Criminology lecturer who boasts she is 'Britain's poshest thief' could be deported after stealing Le Creuset cookware, premium steaks, wine, and boutique gin in M&S

Published: 17:51 EDT, 31 October 2026 | Updated: 17:51 EDT, 31 October 2026 A former criminology lecturer who styles herself as 'Britain's poshest thief' could be deported after a crime spree running into several thousands of pounds, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.The Home Office has told Polish-born Pauline Al Said, 36 - who has been given a suspended jail term - that she will be kicked out of the country if she fails to launch an appeal by next month.Al Said, who worked at Bath Spa University, was told her claims to stay in the UK on human rights grounds had been dismissed after being found guilty of shoplifting offences to the value of £12,000.She was convicted in January this year at Southampton Crown Court of stealing £11,964 worth of goods, including 'vodka, gin, prosecco and wine' over six trips to a Southampton Sainsbury's between June 2024 and July 2025.Judge Gary Lucie, sentencing her to a 44-week jail term, suspended for 18 months, said she focused on stealing high-value items 'easily sold to buy drugs'.In 2024, she was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court of stealing £1,000 worth of alcohol, Le Creuset cookware and steaks from Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.Emily Jarrod, representing Al Said, said she had ended her marriage to Mark Wheatcroft, 58, of Southsea, Hampshire.He was remanded on conditional bail after pleading not guilty in July to several charges, including sexual assault, actual bodily harm, strangulation and breaching a non-molestation order. Former criminology lecturer Pauline Al Said, pictured previously here outside Winchester Crown Court, faces deportation from the UK following shoplifting convictions totalling almost £13,000 She was convicted of stealing nearly £12,000 worth of alcohol from a Southampton Sainsbury's over six visits between June 2024 and July 2025. She is seen here outside Salisbury Law Courts in Wiltshire Her first shoplifting incident took place at the Old Barn nursery (pictured) in Horsham, West Sussex, on December 14 2021Ms Jarrod said: 'She is a highly educated woman and has worked in the criminal justice system, although you might say that's worse because she should understand the impact her actions have.' Al Said was banned from Sainsbury's for 18 months and instructed to attend 28 rehabilitation days.But Judge Lucie said she showed 'genuine remorse'.A source close to Al Said insisted she had quit drugs and alcohol. Under her maiden name Tusien, she offers 'life and career mentoring' services on her website.Al Said's mother and sister live in the UK. She was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2021 and said deporting her would breach her human rights.But a Home Office official concluded that 'the public interest in deporting you outweighs your right to a private and family life'.