A thief – who almost crashed a wedding party after fleeing from officers – is behind bars after meat worth more than £500 was taken from a supermarket.

The theft took place at Waitrose in Hythe last week, but the suspect was spotted by officers patrolling Ashford days later.

On seeing officers, the male suspect instigated a foot chase which almost interrupted a wedding party leaving a nearby church.

A comment from Ashford officers on Twitter from the weekend said: “This afternoon, our beat team spotted a male suspected of shoplifting in Hythe last week.

“On seeing officers, he instigated a foot chase which almost ended up in a wedding party leaving a nearby church.

“Male arrested and many congratulations to the happy couple!”

Daniel Martin, was later charged with the theft, which happened on Saturday, August 12.

The 39-year-old, of Church Road, Ashford, appeared before Folkestone Magistrates' Court yesterday (Monday) and was jailed after pleading guilty and ordered to pay compensation.

Due to the offence being committed during the operation of a suspended sentence, the total sentence imposed was 148 days.