A thief hounded out of a Somerset village after being kidnapped and head-shaved by vigilantes has moved to Bradford.

Weronika Kuncewicz, 21, claimed she was subjected to a five day abduction ordeal by vigilantes during a hearing at Yeovil magistrates court when she admitted theft and breach of probation.

Kuncewicz has now sought refuge from her persecutors at her mother's home in Clay Hill Drive, Wyke.

Speaking at her terraced home today her mother said: "She just wants to put it behind her and start again."

In court Kuncewicz alleged she was taken from a friend's house then she was manacled, beaten and shaved in five-day long revenge punishment.

Following her ordeal in early August she told the court she had left Crewkerne in Somerset and moved to Bradford to live with her mother.

After the hearing she said: "They handcuffed me at my friend's house and took me to another."

Kuncewicz also alleged she was tied up and kept in a shed on one night and given just one cup of coffee and some bread.

During the hearing David King, prosecuting, told magistrates Kuncewicz had stolen a handbag containing £66 cash, cheque book and cards, belonging to an 82-year-old woman in Yeovil.

Two further offences were taken into consideration - dishonestly receiving stolen bank cards and theft of a closed circuit television camera worth £82. Kuncewicz also admitted breaching a probation order made for three thefts committed earlier this year.

Gareth lsaac, defending, said: "My client moved to Yorkshire last month because she was the victim of an abduction.

"She was held against her will for five days, held in handcuffs and leg shackles and had her head shaved.

"She appears in court with a wig, but outside she removes her wig which shows her head which has been fully shaved.

"The incident has been most distressing and the police who are investigating have advised her it is no longer safe for her to live in Crewkerne.

"With regard to the offences, the theft was opportunistic. She saw the handbag when she was short of money. It was not a sophisticated offence."

Magistrates chairman Richard Coombes said: "To take handbags off defenceless old ladies is a poor thing for someone in your position.

"We hope your move to Yorkshire will give you a chance to change."

Kuncewicz was given a 12 month conditional discharge for the theft, ordered to pay £148 in compensation and to complete the probation order made in May.

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