Sean Egan was dismissed from his store manager role at Morrisons in Aldridge after confronting an aggressive shoplifter on December 3. Egan had been employed at Morrisons for almost three decades, starting on the deli counter. According to major media reports, Sean Egan described the incident as being blown out of proportion, with his long service not considered.
According to major media reports, a serial shoplifter entered the supermarket and placed bottles of Jack Daniel's whiskey into a bag. A female colleague challenged the shoplifter, who turned aggressive, prompting Egan to step in. Egan was spat in the face by the shoplifter, leading him to throw his hand back in response. According to major media reports, Sean Egan described his instant reaction as flinging his arm back to grab the shoplifter's arm to stop him reaching into his bag.
I connected with the back of my hand to create space. It wasn't a punch, it was an instant reaction.
According to major media reports, Egan and the shoplifter wrestled and inadvertently clashed heads while another staff member helped remove him from the store. The shoplifter attempted to headbutt and spat at staff during the removal, according to Sean Egan's account reported by major media. The shoplifter was eventually arrested by police, who knew who he was, Sean Egan told major media. Police came to do a witness statement, and Egan did not initially think anything of it, according to major media reports.
Research from two sources indicates Sean Egan called the police during the incident but was still investigated by Morrisons. Egan was later told by his area manager that there would be an investigation, according to major media. An investigation in February determined that Egan breached Morrisons' do-not-detain policy regarding shoplifters. A Morrisons spokesman stated that health and safety of colleagues and customers is paramount, with clear procedures for handling shoplifting incidents.
Morrisons displayed no empathy. The incident was blown out of proportion and my 29 years of service were not considered.
According to major media, Egan is now working as a window cleaner and searching for full-time work, having failed to meet several mortgage payments. Sean Egan and his family are struggling to survive financially after his dismissal, he stated. According to major media, Sean Egan described his family as struggling to survive. Egan is uncertain about returning to retail following the investigation, according to his own statement reported by major media.
In a similar case, research from two sources indicates Waitrose shop assistant Walker Smith was sacked for tackling an Easter egg thief. Smith had worked for Waitrose for 17 years, according to research from two sources. The theft incident occurred at the Clapham Junction branch of Waitrose, research from two sources confirms.
We are struggling to survive.
According to research from two sources, Walker Smith grabbed a bag from the thief, causing a tug-of-war and the eggs to spill. Waitrose has a strict policy that staff should not confront shoplifters, according to research from two sources. There is a contradiction regarding details of the stolen items: some reports state the thief stole a £13 bag of Lindt eggs and was a repeat offender, while others say the thief stole a bag of Easter eggs without specific details on value or offender status.
Research from two sources indicates Walker Smith was sacked just two days after the incident. Iceland's executive chairman Lord Richard Walker offered Walker Smith a job via LinkedIn, according to research from two sources. Waitrose confirmed that the correct process, including appeals, was followed in Walker Smith's case, according to research from two sources. A contradiction exists in the portrayal of Waitrose's response: while the company has a strict non-confrontation policy implying straightforward enforcement, Waitrose states that media reports lack full facts and correct procedures were followed, suggesting a more nuanced official stance.
The shoplifter became aggressive and spat on me.
Shoplifting offences increased by 5% in the year to September 2025, according to research from two sources. This rise in retail crime creates increased pressure on frontline staff who must balance safety concerns with corporate policies.
The specific evidence or witness accounts that led Morrisons to conclude Sean Egan breached the do-not-detain policy have not been publicly disclosed. Similarly, the full facts of Walker Smith's case that Waitrose claims are missing from media reports remain unclear.
My instant reaction was to fling my arm back and grab the shoplifter's arm to stop him reaching into his bag.
It is unknown whether Sean Egan or Walker Smith have pursued or plan to pursue legal action against their former employers for unfair dismissal. The identity and criminal history of the shoplifter involved in Sean Egan's incident, and whether they faced charges beyond arrest, have not been confirmed.
How Morrisons and Waitrose's shoplifting policies are communicated to employees and if training on de-escalation is provided represents another area of uncertainty. According to research from two sources, Walker Smith described regretting his actions but being compelled to act due to frequent thefts. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp stated that Waitrose's decision is disgraceful and they should reinstate Smith with a bonus. Waitrose emphasized that safety and security underpin their policies, discouraging direct intervention.
I regret my actions but I was compelled to act due to frequent thefts.
Waitrose's decision is disgraceful. They should reinstate him with a bonus.
Media reports on Walker Smith's case do not cover the full facts.
Safety and security underpin our policies, discouraging direct intervention.