A man who spat in the face of a Tesco worker has been sentenced to community service after pleading guilty to assault.
Ashley Webb, 47, was arrested at his home in James Street, Gillingham, following the incident at Tesco's Sturdee Avenue store on Friday, January 31.
The assault occurred after Webb was asked to leave the premises, prompting staff to contact Kent Police.
Webb appeared in court the following day where he admitted the offence. He was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and must pay compensation to the victim, along with court costs.
A man who spat in the face of a Tesco worker has been sentenced to community service
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Kent Police made several additional arrests for retail theft on the same day.
Two individuals were detained after stealing steaks from Iceland on Chatham High Street. Terri Aldridge, 37, and Kieran Humphreys were charged with two counts of theft after being arrested in Church Street.
In a separate incident, Adam Roberts, 37, was arrested for stealing multiple coffee jars from the Co-op in Temple Hill Square, Dartford.
Roberts, who had breached a criminal behaviour order by entering the store, pleaded guilty at his first hearing and received an immediate four-week jail sentence.
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Officers also recovered meat products during their operations.
In a further development, officers arrested Peter Cotton, 46, in connection with two separate theft incidents.
The Rochester resident was charged over alleged food theft from Asda in Rochester High Street on January 3.
He was also charged in relation to a theft from a Gillingham charity shop on January 9.
Kent Police made several additional arrests for retail theft on the same day
PACotton, of Isaac Blake Place, was remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates Court on Monday, February 3.
Chief Inspector Garry Cook emphasised the serious nature of retail crime and its impact on communities.
"Theft from shops is not a victimless crime and causes price rises for law-abiding members of the public whilst distressing employees at the businesses that are targeted," he said.
The senior officer outlined a clear stance on prosecuting offenders.
"My position on shoplifting is clear. Where there is evidence to arrest a suspect we will track them down and bring them to justice," Cook stated.
He added that suspects would be held in custody until court appearances "where appropriate."
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