A Newcastle jewellery shop owner has voiced her anger and frustration after the man who burgled her store avoided a jail sentence. Chevonne Austin, who runs Jewellery Queen in Eldon Gardens, described the outcome as an 'injustice'. The burglary occurred last Saturday night when the offender used a metal pole to smash through the shop window and steal jewellery.
Initially, the value of the stolen items was estimated at around £10,000, but Ms. Austin believes the true figure is closer to £37,000. Despite this, the culprit, Paul Stewart, was ordered to pay only £200 in compensation. The 52-year-old, from Headlam Street in Newcastle, admitted to burglary at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Thursday. He received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Owner's Reaction
Chevonne Austin, who resides in Sunderland, expressed her dismay at the sentence. 'I'm angry, upset, and feel like there's a massive injustice here,' she said. 'None of that jewellery has been returned. I put my heart and soul into this for 15 years; it's not just a business to me. It's a community and a family I have built. For this to happen and no justice to be served, I don't have words.'
ChronicleLive understands that an appeal against the sentence could be lodged.
Business Background
Jewellery Queen, which also has a store in Sunderland city centre, is known for its active social media presence and regular videos of random acts of kindness, where staff gift jewellery to members of the public. The Newcastle store reopened on Monday, with Ms. Austin determined 'not to let the thieves win.'
She still hopes to recover the stolen jewellery and has asked the public to watch for rings inscribed with 'Austin 925'. Anyone who comes across such rings is urged to contact Northumbria Police.
