Meat-Mad Thief Nabbed After £700 Supermarket Spree Across Folkestone and Hythe
Supermarket Spree Ends Behind Bars
Thomas Judge, 26, went on a brazen shopping spree this autumn, swiping nearly £700 worth of meat from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Iceland stores across Folkestone and Hythe. His larcenous appetite wasn’t limited to big supermarkets – he also hit local convenience stores twice in August.
Caught Red-Handed on Marine Parade
Police finally caught the determined thief on 5 October, arresting him on Marine Parade. Judge was charged and locked up the very same day, proving crime doesn’t pay.
Not Just Your Average Shoplifter
In court, Judge admitted to seven supermarket thefts, two convenience store robberies, and an attempted snatch of a food delivery bag on Sandgate Hill earlier this year. His criminal record is even longer, including moped and e-scooter thefts plus carrying a weapon in public.
Two Years Inside for Crime Spree
With no fixed address, Judge appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on 4 December where he was handed a two-year prison sentence. The punishment underlines the seriousness of his crimes and the toll on the local community.
Inspector Pete Woodridge said: “Persistent offenders such as Judge bring misery to the victims they target, and we fully understand the impact of these crimes on local communities.”
“We are committed to protecting residents and retailers, and officers will always pursue the most robust options available. This includes bringing the perpetrators before the courts to answer for their crimes and I am pleased that in this case, a custodial sentence has been imposed.”
