'Gym buddies' who hid steroid needles in Sainsbury's garlic bread jailed
4 November 2019, 19:16
A pair of bodybuilders who hid needles and syringes in garlic bread and Christmas decorations in Sainbury's have been jailed for 12 months.
Bradley Scott, 30, and Matthew Keam, 24, conducted what they claimed were "pranks" over a five month period, Kent Police said.
The gym buddies targeted the Sainsbury's store in Aylesford seven times between July 19 and December 6, 2018.
Scott and Keam hid the needles and syringes which they had used on themselves, and were eventually caught after DNA evidence linked them to the crime.
They were jailed after police said despite their "genuine remorse", their actions risked "serious injury".
Maidstone Crown Court was told the pair were friends who attended a nearby gym and used the needles for steroid use.
Needles and syringes were discovered sticking out of items in the shop by employees and customers.
Among the items targeted were garlic a bottle of orange juice, a cereal box and even among Christmas decorations displayed on an artificial tree.
Scott, from Gillingham, and Keam, from Maidstone, were arrested and DNA tests from the needles and syringes identified both men.
When interviewed Scott admitted responsibility and said that the only reason he did it was "plain stupidity".
He added they had chosen the store simply because it was close to the gym.
Both plead guilty to contaminating or interfering with goods with intention of causing public alarm.
Detective Constable Barrie Prowse said: "These offences would no doubt would have caused considerable distress, anxiety and revulsion among shoppers and staff, alike.
"Whilst the needles repeatedly placed in items were found to be capped, there was clearly potential for serious injury to anyone who may have had the misfortune of finding these items.
"Both Scott and Keam have shown genuine remorse for their reckless behaviour, however protection of the general public and the safety of any food supply chain are of paramount importance, leaving the courts with little choice but to impose custodial sentences."
