Shoplifter Busted After Assaulting Staff and Cops in Canterbury
Connor Jones, 24, from Shelley Avenue, Canterbury, has been slapped with a 360-day jail sentence at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2022. His run of high-value thefts from city supermarkets finally caught up with him thanks to a determined investigation by Canterbury’s Victim Based Crime Team.
£1,900 Worth of Spirits Stolen
Jones targeted upscale bottles of alcohol, nicking over £1,900 worth between 29 December 2021 and 9 January 2022. During one brazen theft outside a supermarket on Sturry Road, he was confronted by a staff member. Rather than back down, Jones hurled bottles at the employee, injuring his foot.
Violent Outbursts Lead to Arrest
Police caught up with Jones on 18 January. In custody, his bad behaviour escalated. He spat in the faces of two officers and even urinated on his cell door. His chaos didn’t end there—he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of shoplifting, two assaults on emergency workers, one assault, and one count of criminal damage.
Police Send a Clear Message
PC AnnMarie Lucas, lead investigator, said: “Kent Police will go after and bring to justice shoplifters whose crimes have a big impact on local businesses. I am glad Jones’ spree has ended with him off the streets of Canterbury.”
“No officer deserves the treatment Jones gave ours. This sentence sends a strong warning – assault a police officer, and you will go to jail.”
