Judge lambasts recidivist shoplifter Sharlene Barton, issues final warning

Belinda FeekOpen Justice multimedia journalist, Waikato·NZ Herald·25 Aug, 2026 04:00 AM3 mins to read‌Open Justice reporter Belinda Feek joins Jane Yee on Case by Case to explain how shoplifting has evolved in NZ to become bolder and more dangerous.A judge has lambasted a prolific shoplifter, telling her to stop ripping off retailers and use her benefit money to feed her children, rather than paying reparations for stolen goods. Sharlene Barton was in Hamilton District Court before Judge Noel Cocurullo today after stealing more than $700 of goods