Shoplifter Jack Wiley jailed days after violent attack on store worker
Shoplifter caught red-handed turns violent
Jack Wiley, 28, thought he could make a quick getaway from the Co-op in Murston with stolen booze and a sandwich. But staff weren’t having it. After scoffing off with bottles of lager, wine, and food on Monday 22 January 2024, Wiley was followed outside by an alert employee.
When the worker tried to grab back the stolen goods, Wiley lost it. He launched a brutal punch-up, hitting the staff member repeatedly in the head.
Assault escalated despite public stepping in
Even when a bystander jumped in to help, Wiley showed no signs of backing down. He chased the victim back into the shop, dragged him to the floor, then punched and kicked him before sprinting off.
Police tracked Wiley down swiftly in nearby Faversham where he was arrested.
Facing the music: Guilty plea and jail time
Wiley was charged with assault by beating and two counts of theft – including a previous shoplifting bust at Faversham’s Poundland for cleaning products just a month earlier.
He pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 24 January and was slapped with six months behind bars plus an extra week for breaching a suspended sentence. Wiley must also cough up £200 compensation and £85 costs.
Police vow crackdown on repeat shoplifters
“Prolific criminals like Wiley target retailers to steal high-value goods to consume or flog. Shoplifting is never victimless and hits businesses hard,” said Inspector Barry Carr of the Swale Victim Based Crime Team. “We won’t stop pursuing and prosecuting those who make crime their lifestyle.”
