Morrisons Manager Dismissed After Confronting Prolific Shoplifter
Sean Egan, a dedicated Morrisons store manager with almost 30 years of service, has been dismissed from his position following an incident involving a career criminal in Aldridge, West Midlands. The 46-year-old married father from Wolverhampton was sacked in December after tackling Daniel Kendall, a repeat offender with more than 100 offences to his name, who became aggressive during a shoplifting attempt.
Protocol Followed Before Violent Confrontation
Mr Egan explained that he followed company protocol with a calm approach when he noticed Kendall, 36, loitering in the supermarket. "I followed company policy, approached calmly, offered help and then escorted him from the store when needed," he said. However, as they neared the exit, Kendall reportedly became violent, spitting at the manager and forcing him to react defensively.
"In that moment, I reacted. Not as a manager. As a human being. That split second changed everything," Mr Egan revealed this week, adding that he is now "barely surviving" financially and emotionally after losing what he described as his identity.
Kendall's Extensive Criminal History Revealed
Fresh details have emerged about Kendall's lengthy criminal record, which includes dozens of convictions spanning various offences. In December, he was jailed for 42 weeks at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court for stealing two bottles of Jack Daniel's whiskey from Morrisons, along with several other petty crimes.
His previous convictions include:
- Theft of chocolate and coffee worth £90 from a Co-op supermarket in Birmingham
- Stealing £390 in cash from an ATM in Walsall, West Midlands
- A 30-week prison sentence in 2018 for attempting to break into a police officer's home in Pelsall
Police Officer's Terrifying Home Invasion Attempt
The court heard disturbing details about Kendall's 2018 offence, where PC Jason Dooley became suspicious when his dogs began barking in the middle of the night. The officer looked out his bedroom window to see Kendall trying the handle of his car and porch.
Concerned for his wife Emily and their three-year-old daughter sleeping nearby, Mr Dooley quickly went outside to apprehend the intruder himself. This incident highlights the dangerous nature of Kendall's criminal behaviour beyond shoplifting offences.
Morrisons' Response to the Incident
Morrisons told The Mirror that while they cannot comment on individual cases, they have comprehensive measures in place to address shoplifting and violence in stores. A company spokesperson stated: "The health and safety of all colleagues and customers is of paramount importance to Morrisons. We have very clear guidance, procedures and controls in place to protect our colleagues and customers from the risk of harm, which must be strictly followed."
The spokesperson emphasized that the company "will not ask colleagues to put themselves at risk" and that their focus remains on maintaining health and safety through proper procedures designed to de-escalate situations calmly.
Impact on Long-Serving Employee
Mr Egan, who had worked at the supermarket for 29 years, described the profound personal impact of his dismissal. "It wasn't just a job. It was my identity. My life. I've never felt so unheard, unseen and disposable in my entire life," he said, characterizing Kendall as "a well-known, prolific offender in the area" whom he recognized immediately during the December incident.
The case raises significant questions about how retailers balance employee safety with loss prevention protocols, particularly when dealing with repeat offenders who demonstrate aggressive behaviour during theft attempts.
