Violent Shoplifter Who Pretended to Use a Wheelchair Jailed After Attacking Security Guard

Catch a Thief UK – Retail Crime & Safety News

A 19-year-old man who pretended to be a wheelchair user to steal beer before violently attacking a security guard has been jailed following a series of dangerous and abusive offences across Kent.

Imagine: Kent Police violent robber: Davey Brown

Davey Brown, of Winch’s Garth, Staplehurst, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to three years and one month in prison after pleading guilty to robbery, affray, criminal damage, common assault, threatening behaviour, and driving without insurance.

Staged Wheelchair Ruse to Steal Beer

On 3 June 2025, Brown entered Sainsbury’s in Station Road, Staplehurst, sitting in a store wheelchair while hiding two crates of beer under a jacket on his lap. An accomplice, aged 17, pushed him around the store as part of the deception.

As Brown attempted to leave without paying, he was confronted by a security officer. In an instant, he leapt from the wheelchair, punched the guard, and began throwing beer bottles, cans, and other items. A second shop employee was struck and injured by the flying objects.

Brown then fled the store but was tracked down and arrested by officers roughly 30 minutes later. During the arrest, he became abusive, issuing threats towards police.

Linked to Earlier Dangerous Driving Incident

It was later discovered that shortly before the Sainsbury’s robbery, Brown had been involved in a collision on Four Elms Road, Edenbridge. After crashing into a parked vehicle, he is alleged to have driven directly towards the female driver when she stepped out of her car.

He then fled the scene and continued on to Staplehurst, where he carried out the robbery.

Accomplice Also Sentenced

The 17-year-old accomplice who pushed the wheelchair was handed a six-month sentence in a young offenders’ institution for his part in the robbery.

Police: ‘A Violent Man Who Endangered the Public’

Investigating officer PC Ricky Strong said Brown’s actions showed “a complete disregard for the safety of others,” noting that the assaulted security guard required hospital treatment.

“Brown is a violent man who endangered an innocent motorist, assaulted store employees, and threatened police officers. This custodial sentence ensures he will not pose a risk to the public for some time,” he said.

Catch a Thief UK Response

Farrah McNutt, CEO of Catch a Thief UK, condemned the incident:

“This was a shocking and calculated act. The level of violence displayed goes far beyond typical shop theft. Retail workers and security staff deserve far greater protection, and cases like this underline the urgent need for stronger deterrents and better support for those on the frontline.”

Catch a Thief UK continues to highlight escalating violence against shopworkers and is calling for enhanced safety measures, improved staff training, and tougher sentencing for assaults linked to retail crime.

Image: Catch a Thief UK