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Cerys Nelmes, a stand-up comedian from Cotswolds, U.K., has been detained by Turkish authorities after an incident at a Zara store in Istanbul. Nelmes was arrested following allegations that she left the store without paying for items, an error she describes as an “embarrassing mistake.” Despite claiming to have returned immediately to the store to hand back the items and offer payment, she now faces a possible prison sentence of up to three years.
The incident occurred on July 22, when Nelmes left the Zara outlet without passing through the checkout. Upon realizing the oversight, she promptly went back to the store, returned the merchandise, and offered to pay, which the store manager accepted. However, the situation escalated when police got involved, leading to her detention.
Nelmes shared her experience on social media, describing her shock and distress. She explained that after being taken into custody, she spent 24 hours in a locked cell without access to food or toilet facilities. When she asked for water, officers reportedly did not understand her request. She was handcuffed during fingerprinting and mugshot procedures at 3 a.m., then brought to court the following day.
During her court hearing, Nelmes was informed through a translator that she was released but barred from leaving Türkiye indefinitely. The judge reportedly said she was fortunate not to be imprisoned immediately, but she still faces the threat of up to three years behind bars. She must also report weekly to a local police station.
Nelmes is known as a rising talent in Bristol’s comedy scene and a former firefighter from the Cotswolds. She expressed deep remorse, saying she was embarrassed for her family and friends and that the ordeal had seriously affected her 78-year-old mother’s health. She acknowledged that mental health problems may have contributed to the incident but insisted there was no excuse.
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