A prolific thief who shouted racist abuse at shop workers from a Canterbury convenience store has been jailed.
Lee Horton, 45, targeted the premises in Westgate on the evening of Sunday 26 January 2025.
Kent Police was called to St Dunstan’s Street just after 6pm. Staff had spotted Horton leaving the shop with chocolate that had not been paid for. They followed him outside, where he was asked to return the item. The offender immediately became abusive and made racist comments before leaving the area.
Officers attended and enquiries were completed. An investigation led to Horton being interviewed under caution and later charged in relation to the incident.
Horton pleaded guilty to the chocolate theft and two racially aggravated public order offences at Canterbury Crown Court. He also admitted six thefts of alcohol and groceries from Swale supermarkets between 29 May and 14 June, and a burglary at Sports Direct in Queenborough on 16 May.
Horton, formerly of St George’s Avenue, Sheerness, was sentenced on Wednesday 12 November to one year and six months’ imprisonment.
PC Andrew Kilby said: “Horton’s behaviour was completely unacceptable. Shop workers have the right to feel safe doing their job and protecting their businesses. We will never tolerate racist abuse in our communities, and I’m pleased that a custodial sentence has been imposed, offering the offender the opportunity to reflect on his actions and amend his ways.
“I hope it also reminds thieves who would persist in targeting communities that they can expect to be brought before the courts to face
