A veteran Morrisons store manager, Sean Egan, has been terminated from his position after nearly three decades of service following an altercation with a notorious shoplifter.

Long-Serving Employee Dismissed

Mr. Egan, a 46-year-old father, had been a dedicated employee for 29 years, known for successfully improving the performance of multiple store locations. The incident occurred at the Aldridge, Walsall branch last December when Egan attempted to prevent Daniel Kendall, a 36-year-old career criminal, from stealing alcohol.

Confrontation and Company Policy

Despite company policies emphasizing a “deter-and-not-detain” approach, the situation escalated when Kendall became aggressive and began spitting at Egan. Reacting to the assault, Egan attempted to restrain the offender to protect staff and customers.

Disciplinary Action and Dismissal

Following a disciplinary hearing, Morrisons dismissed the manager, citing his failure to strictly adhere to corporate safety protocols. Mr. Egan expressed his devastation on LinkedIn, describing the job loss as an identity crisis, noting he had joined the company at age 17.

Impact and Public Reaction

The dismissal, which occurred just three weeks before Christmas, left Egan struggling to explain the situation to his children. He emphasized that his decision to engage was a human reaction to being assaulted, not a calculated management maneuver.

The Shoplifter's History

Daniel Kendall, the shoplifter involved, has a long history of criminal behavior, with over 100 documented offenses and at least 40 prior convictions. His record includes various thefts from local retailers and cash from ATMs.

Previous Offenses

Kendall was previously jailed in 2018 for attempting to break into a police officer’s residence, where he was apprehended by the off-duty officer and a neighbor. The case has sparked public outrage, questioning whether retailers adequately support long-standing employees facing dangerous criminals.

Wider Debate on Retail Safety

Egan remains determined to advocate for employees facing similar threats, highlighting the growing frustration among staff who often feel unprotected in increasingly hostile retail environments. Morrisons maintains its policies are in place to ensure safety, but the incident has ignited a debate about supporting employees in such situations.