A man has been charged with theft after falling at a police officer's feet in a botched escape attempt in which he tried to evade arrest by jumping over a fence using a tree branch.
Jonathan Neiland, 45, of no fixed address, was allegedly witnessed stealing approximately £130 worth of alcohol from Jempson’s supermarket in Rye on October 15.
After leaving the store, Neiland attempted to evade police by running to Rye Railway Station, where he crossed the railway line and hid on a low roof.
He was located by officers and attempted to escape by trying to jump from the roof and over a fence using a tree branch.
However, this resulted in him falling at the officers' feet.
No medical attention was required, and Neiland was subsequently arrested and charged with theft.
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All stolen items were recovered and returned to the store.
Neiland has been released on conditional bail and is due to appear in court on February 3, 2027.
He must not enter Jempson’s, on Station Approach, Rye or the Co-op store on London Road, Brighton.
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