Gym Freaks Jailed for Spiking Sainsbury’s Food with Needles
Two mates have been locked up after terrorising shoppers by slipping needles and syringes into food at a Sainsbury’s in Aylesford.
Dangerous Prank Goes Too Far
Bradley Scott, 30, from Gillingham, and Matthew Keam, 24, from Maidstone, pulled their twisted stunt over five months in 2018. The pair hid sharpened needles inside everyday groceries like garlic bread, orange juice, cereal boxes, and even Christmas decorations at the Quarry Wood Industrial Estate store.
Their sinister prank sparked seven separate scares between July and December, leaving staff and shoppers shocked and on edge.
Stolen Gym Needles Link Duo to Crime
Police found DNA on the syringes linking the pair directly to the tampering. The investigation revealed the two were gym regulars and steroid users — they had taken gym needles and inserted them into food “just for a laugh.”
“It was just plain stupidity,” admitted Scott during police questioning. He also confessed the store was targeted simply because it was near their gym.
Court Slams the Pair with Jail Time
At Maidstone Crown Court, both men pleaded guilty to contaminating goods and causing public alarm. On 18 October 2019, they were each jailed for 12 months.
Detective Constable Barrie Prowse said: “These offences caused distress and anxiety to shoppers and staff. Even though the needles were capped, there was a real risk of someone getting seriously hurt. Both offenders showed remorse, but protecting the public comes first.”
Their dangerous “prank” has left a lasting mark on the community, proving some stunts go way too far.
