Shoplifting suspects linked to violence towards staff and spitting at police

Two shoplifting suspects from Tunbridge Wells have been charged in connection with a series of thefts as well as violence towards staff and spitting at police. 

The man and woman were arrested following reports of abuse at two stores, which included an employee being knocked to the floor.

On Monday 10 February 2025, they are alleged to have stolen several drinks from a shop in Preston Street, Faversham where a victim was pushed into shelving and fell over.

Two days later, on Wednesday 12 February, items worth around £165 were reported stolen from a BP service station in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, where verbal abuse and threats were said to have been made towards staff.

Remanded in custody

The suspects were detained later that day, when it is further alleged the man spat and kicked at police.

Freddie Farnie, 31, of Crendon Park, Southborough was charged with two thefts, as well as assaults on staff and emergency workers, and criminal damage offences.

Jessica Winters, 35, of no fixed address, was charged with the same two thefts. She was also separately charged with another five shopliftings in Tunbridge Wells since the beginning of the year. 

Both were remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 13 February.