A habitual shop thief has been jailed after breaching a court order that prohibited him from entering stores in Tunbridge Wells. Tommy Robertson, 59, defied a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) by attempting to steal nearly £1,000 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.

The CBO, issued in May 2024 and valid until May 2026, banned Robertson from entering several Tunbridge Wells stores, including Tesco and Royal Victoria Place. However, on Monday, 4 November, he was spotted by the town’s Shop Safe radio system attempting to steal multiple items at Marks & Spencer. Police responded quickly, arresting Robertson on suspicion of attempted theft and for breaching the CBO.

Appearing before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 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 victim surcharge of £154.

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.”