A persistent shoplifter from Tunbridge Wells has been slapped with a two-year ban from all Tesco supermarkets after a string of thefts across the town and beyond.
Freddie Farnie, 31, of no fixed address, repeatedly targeted the supermarket chain’s London Road and Pembury Road branches between August 30th, 2024, and February 12th, 2025, making off with food and other goods. His criminal activity during this period extended beyond Tunbridge Wells, with a further theft committed in Faversham. Farnie’s actions also included violence, as he assaulted a shop worker and four emergency service personnel. He further caused damage on three occasions at Tonbridge police station.
Farnie faced justice at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 4th, where he pleaded guilty to multiple offences. He was handed an 18-month community order, requiring him to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work. The court also imposed a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement, alongside orders to compensate his victims and pay £85 in court costs.
In a further move to curb Farnie’s offending, officers successfully applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) upon his sentencing. This order prohibits him from entering any Tesco store as well as a local shop situated on Silverdale Road in Tunbridge Wells. The CBO also restricts Farnie from consuming alcohol or possessing any open containers of alcohol in public places, except within licensed premises.
Breaching the conditions of the CBO could result in a fine or imprisonment.
Police Constable Julie Edwards commented on the case, stating:
‘Farnie is a prolific shoplifter who regularly comes to our attention and is arrested. He can also become violent and his actions have caused considerable distress to shop workers.
‘Farnie is now subject to the conditions of a strict court order and we will be quick to attend any incidents where he is reported to have breached the restrictions. Should this happen, he is likely to find himself back before the magistrates to answer for his behaviour.’