A young man has been sentenced to prison after pretending to be wheelchair-bound to steal beer from a supermarket and then assaulting a security guard. Davey Brown, aged 19, threw stolen beer cans at a Sainsbury’s staff member in Staplehurst when confronted about leaving without paying.

The chain of events began when Brown’s car collided with another vehicle on Four Elms Road in Edenbridge on June 3, 2025. He then drove aggressively toward the victim before fleeing through a red light.

Upon arriving at Sainsbury’s on Station Road, Brown, with the help of an accomplice, disguised himself as a wheelchair user, concealing beer crates under a jacket. Confronted by a security guard, Brown resorted to violence, throwing beer bottles and cans at the guard and another employee, causing injuries.

After a brief escape, Brown was apprehended by police within half an hour. He was charged with robbery, affray, damaging property, assault, threatening behavior, and driving without insurance. Following a guilty plea at Maidstone Crown Court, Brown was sentenced to over three years in prison and banned from driving.

Additionally, a 17-year-old boy involved in the incident was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at a young offenders’ institute. PC Ricky Strong, the investigating officer, condemned Brown’s violent actions and highlighted the risk he posed to the public. Brown’s custodial sentence aims to prevent further harm to others.