A violent shoplifter who assaulted a Co-op employee and threatened him with a knife in Sittingbourne has been jailed for six months. Connor Openshaw, 23, was swiftly arrested after the incident on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Openshaw initially attempted to steal four cans of beer from the Co-op on Gadby Road. When a staff member intervened, Openshaw pushed him and fled the store with several packets of crisps. The victim pursued him, and Openshaw then assaulted him with a glass bottle, which shattered on the employee’s arm, causing a cut. Openshaw verbally abused the victim before leaving.
In a further escalation, Openshaw returned to the scene, threatening the victim with a knife and smashing the shop window with a wooden plank. Fortunately, Openshaw was quickly tracked down by a local constable and arrested. He was charged and remanded in custody.
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Openshaw, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court to theft, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage, possessing a knife in a public place, and a public order offence. He was immediately sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay the victim £100 in compensation.
Openshaw, of no fixed address, was immediately sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay the victim £100 in compensation.
Investigating officer, PC Dan Quinn, said:
‘Openshaw is an offensive individual whose conduct in the Co-op was truly appalling. Shop workers should not have to suffer violence and abuse, and offenders should expect a robust response from Kent Police.
‘His possession of a knife was a major factor in his sentencing and those who choose to follow his example will receive a prompt arrest and court appearance.’