Tommy Robertson, 59, a notorious shop thief, has been jailed after ignoring a court order banning him from stores in Tunbridge Wells. The career criminal attempted to steal nearly £1,000 worth of clothes from Marks & Spencer at Royal Victoria Place.
Robertson was subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) issued in May 2024, which is set to last until May 2026. The order prohibited him from entering shops including Tesco and Royal Victoria Place. Despite this, on 4 November, CCTV footage and the Tunbridge Wells Shop Safe radio system spotted him inside Marks & Spencer attempting a significant theft.
Police quickly arrested Robertson for attempted theft and breaching the CBO. At Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 8 November, Robertson, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to both charges. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge.
Sergeant Chris Wells of Kent Police commented, “Robertson has a history of prolific offending that has impacted numerous businesses in Tunbridge Wells and beyond. His disregard for a court order designed to protect local stores from shoplifting demonstrates a lack of respect for the law. This prison sentence reinforces our commitment to tackling shop theft and ensuring offenders face the consequences of their actions.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
