A man who stole groceries while armed with a Stanley knife has been jailed following a conviction at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
Jake Tomkinson, 31, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six months in custody after being found guilty of theft from a shop and possession of a knife in a public place.
The incident took place on January 29 at the Co-op on McLeod Road in Abbey Wood, where Tomkinson stole approximately £80 worth of tea and coffee items.
During the theft, Tomkinson was found to be carrying a Stanley knife, heightening the seriousness of the offence. He was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with both theft and knife possession.
Despite denying the charges, Tomkinson was convicted on March 24. He received his sentence on Tuesday, April 8.
Local residents have expressed relief following the sentencing, with one shop worker calling it “a reminder that these offences won’t be taken lightly.”
Tomkinson will now serve his sentence in a London prison, with no eligibility for early release until the halfway point under current sentencing guidelines.
