Two men have been jailed following a violent burglary at a Morrisons store in New Ash Green. Callum Knox, 38, and Damian Smith, 44, both from Southampton, forced their way into the store on The Row in the early hours of November 22, 2024, wearing balaclavas and carrying crowbars.
Police responded to an intruder alarm at 1:40 am, arriving to find a staff member confronting the pair. While Smith surrendered, Knox charged at officers with a raised crowbar, attempting to escape. A violent struggle ensued as officers wrestled Knox to the ground, eventually subduing him and recovering a Taser device he attempted to grab.
A key found at the scene led to the discovery of the men’s getaway vehicle. Both men pleaded guilty to burglary. Knox also admitted to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
At Canterbury Crown Court on February 13, 2025, Knox was sentenced to two years and one month in prison. Smith, who had breached a previous suspended sentence, received a longer sentence of two years and ten months.
Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield said:
‘Knox was determined to escape by any means but was tackled to the ground by our responding officers, whose tenacious bravery and professionalism ensured he was disarmed and that both men have ultimately now been brought to justice.
‘Cases like this are a stark reminder of the real risks our officers face in confronting danger and conflict.’Importantly, they also illustrate our determination to protect the public from career criminals such as Knox and Smith, whose prolific offending can have a hugely detrimental impact on the communities and businesses they target.’