Margaret Johnson, the 49-year-old woman infamously known as the 'Pickpocket Queen of Birmingham', has been granted freedom by a judge who believes her criminal activities stem from unresolved mental health issues.
Details of the Case
Johnson had been in custody for over a year after committing four shoplifting offences and a burglary between December 2024 and May 2025. Her latest crimes included stealing a charity box from Chaiiwalla in Alum Rock and items from various shops including B&M, Iceland and Tesco.
Birmingham Crown Court heard that psychiatric reports concluded her offending was due to 'untreated mental illness and her wish to get money to buy drugs'. The court was told Johnson suffers from recurrent depressive disorder, PTSD, and other mental health conditions stemming from past traumas including the loss of a child.
Criminal Record
Johnson has a 'dreadful' criminal record with 64 previous convictions for 204 offences, with 135 being for theft or similar crimes. Police have previously described her as 'the most callous villain I've had to deal with' and a 'one-woman crimewave with no conscience'.
Sentencing
Recorder Anthony Warner sentenced her to a two-year community order instead of the usual minimum three-year sentence due to 'exceptional circumstances'. He told Johnson: 'The secret to success in your case is cooperation with and keeping in touch with probation.'
Johnson will be released from HMP Foston Hall with paperwork ensuring housing authorities must find her accommodation, leading to GP registration and NHS mental health support.
