A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted supermarkets across Swale and stole items totalling around £1,000 has been jailed.
Mark Hewitt was responsible for a catalogue of offences between May and August 2023, when he stole meat and alcohol from shops including Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Marks and Spencer.
Hewitt, of Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne, was initially arrested by Kent Police on 7th May, as part of the force’s ongoing clampdown on shoplifting.
He was charged and released on bail pending a court appearance but continued to steal. He was arrested again on 21st July and charged with further offences. While he was detained, Hewitt caused damage to police property by throwing food and urinating in his cell.
After appearing before court, the 48-year-old was subject to bail conditions prior to sentencing but his crimewave continued.
On 5th August 2023, an off-duty officer witnessed Hewitt committing another theft at a shop in East Street, Sittingbourne and it was later discovered he had taken items from the same store in an earlier incident that day.
Hewitt was arrested and whilst being taken into custody subjected two officers to a tirade of racial abuse.
He was remanded to Medway Magistrates’ Court and sentenced on Monday 7th August, having pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft, two counts of racially aggravated harassment, and two counts of criminal damage.
Hewitt was jailed for a year and fined almost £200.
