Pauline Al Said, a former criminology lecturer who has described herself as “Britain’s poshest thief,” faces potential deportation from the United Kingdom following a series of shoplifting convictions involving thousands of pounds in stolen goods. The Polish-born 36-year-old was handed a suspended prison sentence and has been given a deadline next month to lodge an appeal against the Home Office’s decision or face removal from the country.

Al Said, who previously worked at Bath Spa University, was convicted in January at Southampton Crown Court for stealing nearly £12,000 worth of items, including alcoholic beverages such as vodka, gin, prosecco, and wine. These thefts took place over six separate occasions from a Sainsbury’s store in Southampton between June 2024 and July 2025. Judge Gary Lucie sentenced her to a 44-week jail term suspended for 18 months, noting that she targeted high-value goods that could be easily resold, often to fund drug use.

This was not her first conviction related to theft. In 2024, Al Said was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court of shoplifting around £1,000 worth of alcohol, Le Creuset cookware, and steaks from Waitrose and Marks & Spencer. Following these convictions, she was banned from shopping at Sainsbury’s for 18 months and ordered to complete 28 rehabilitation days.

Despite the court’s view, a source close to Al Said said she has since given up drugs and alcohol. Under her maiden name Tusien, she now promotes herself as a provider of life and career mentoring services through her personal website.

Al Said’s legal representative, Emily Jarrod, confirmed that her client had recently ended her marriage to Mark Wheatcroft, 58, of Southsea, Hampshire. Wheatcroft is currently out on conditional bail after denying multiple charges, including sexual assault, actual bodily harm, strangulation, and breaching a non-molestation order.

Al Said’s family ties in the UK include her mother and sister, and she was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2021. She has argued that deporting her would violate her human rights. However, the Home Office rejected her claims and concluded that the public interest in deportation outweighed her right to private and family life.

Judge Lucie acknowledged Al Said’s “genuine remorse” during sentencing but emphasized the seriousness of her offences. The upcoming appeal deadline will determine whether she remains in the UK or is deported.