Kent thief who tried to ‘gouge out police officer’s eyes’ jailed

Jordan Best has now been jailed for two years and four months
-Credit: (Image: Kent Police)


A Kent thief who assaulted a police officer by attempting to 'gouge out his eyes' while being arrested has now been locked behind bars. Jordan Best has been jailed for two years and four months following a shoplifting spree in Thanet and Canterbury.

Officers from Kent Police were called to a shop in the Newington area of Ramsgate on Wednesday, April 10 2024 after receiving reports that a man had stolen from the business twice in one day. A member of the public reported Best responsible, and when officers arrived at the scene, the 38-year attempted to flee, swinging a bag of stolen goods and hitting the officer with it at the same time.

The officer successfully caught Best and he was arrested on suspicion of the thefts and assaulting an emergency worker. An investigation into thefts at other businesses was then launched, with police reviewing CCTV footage for each reported crime and identifying Best as the offender in each incident.

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Between March 12 and April 22, the thief targeted supermarkets in Ramsgate, Whitstable, Canterbury, Herne Bay and Margate, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods including meat and laundry products. During one theft at a store in Ramsgate on Wednesday, April 3, Best stole meat but was spotted by a shop security guard who then attempted to stop him.

When told to return the stolen items to the store, Best grabbed his bag and ran, pushing the guard as he left. A spokesperson for Kent Police added: “When officers went to arrest the 38 year old for these offences on 22 April, he became violent towards the arresting officer. Best assaulted the officer, trying to gouge out his eyes, punched him to the face and also attempted to bite him.”

Later at court, Best admitted to 12 counts of theft as well as assaulting an emergency worker; an assault occasioning actual bodily harm; and assaulting a shop employee. He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday, September 24.

Inspector Shelah Thompson said: "The idea that you can walk into several shops and fill a bag with stolen goods and then assault anyone who challenges you is a foolish one. Kent Police works with businesses to ensure they have security measures in place like CCTV so when crime happens, the chances are improved of catching the criminal.

“I want to thank the various businesses as well as the victims who were just carrying out their jobs when they were assaulted by Best. Their support in this case has been crucial in disrupting Best’s appalling and criminal behaviour.”

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