Bristol comedian stranded in Turkey for four months after shoplifting ‘mistake’

A Bristol-based stand-up comedian has been stranded in Turkey for nearly four months and is embroiled in a legal controversy, after she mistakenly walked out of a Zara outlet in the country without paying for them.

Cerys Nelmes says she “immediately tried to rectify the mistake” by going back to pay for the three items she accidentally walked out with, but was eventually detained by authorities for shoplifting.

Despite since being released from custody, Nelmes is facing an indefinite ban on travel and was only informed for the first time on Thursday that she was being sued by Zara and not prosecuted by the state as she originally thought.

 

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In a video statement shared on Instagram, Nelmes said: “The incident occurred on July 22 and Zara didn’t file their statement until September 10. That’s 51 days after I was arrested.”

She goes on to narrate discrepancies within the clothing giant’s statement, including the time of the incident, the events that led to Nelmes’ arrest and the monetary value of the items that she was accused of taking.

Zara’s prosecutor, Nelmes explained, has asked for her to be “found guilty and punished under Turkish law”,  with certain imposed legal restrictions.

Under Turkish law, theft inside a building carries a prison sentence between three to seven years. However, since Nelmes’ case is classified as an “attempt”, this will potentially be reduced by half.

Nelmes had travelled to Turkey for a summer holiday which means she has no appropriate winter clothing. She is still awaiting second hand clothing that she said the British consulate promised her weeks ago.

A crowdfunder set up by Nelmes to cover essential costs including accommodation, clothing and legal fees has almost raised its initial target of £11,000, with no definite end to her ordeal in sight.

Many of her followers have expressed concerns about her mental and physical well being, an issue Nelmes says her psychotherapist has flagged with the consulate.

In a video shared on Monday, Nelmes can be seen holding back tears after being informed that she needs to report to the same police station she was first taken after her arrest in July as part of her tenth weekly check in.

Days after the incident in July, the comedian admitted her mistake and said she was “embarrassed” about what had happened.

“I am not looking for sympathy”, she said. “I made a mistake, which I immediately tried to rectify. I have embarrassed my friends and family and have made my 78-year-old mum unwell. I will never forgive myself for what I have done.”

Nelmes goes on the explain that she possibly made the mistake due to her mental health condition and ongoing medication, both of which she clarified are not excuses for the incident.

Along with details about where money raised was used, Nelmes wrote on her fundraiser page: “It breaks my heart to ask for help, and I feel ashamed to be in this position. But I’ve reached the point where I can’t carry this alone anymore.

“The stress has taken a huge toll on my health, both mentally and physically, and my family is suffering alongside me. I’ve tried everything I can to resolve this, but I’m exhausted, and my strength is fading.

“The three items I was accused of taking have already been paid for. Still, I remain stuck here, waiting, with no clear answers. I just want to survive this and bring closure to my family.

“I know times are hard for everyone, and asking for help is the last thing I ever wanted to do. But if you are able to support me in any way, I promise I will do everything I can to repay the kindness and use this experience to help others in the future.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for even taking the time to read this.”

Bristol24/7 has contacted Zara for a comment.

To support Nelmes’ crowdfunder, visit www.gofundme.com/f/legal-fees-and-living

Main photo: Cerys Nelmes