Overview
- Sean Egan, a Morrisons store manager of 29 years, confronted a suspected repeat shoplifter at the Aldridge branch in December 2025 after the man, he says, spat at him during an escort to the exit.
- Morrisons later dismissed Egan after a disciplinary process found he broke its deter‑not‑detain policy, a safety rule that instructs staff not to physically restrain suspects.
- The supermarket reiterated its safety‑first guidance and told the Evening Standard it is confident the case was handled correctly and that some reporting does not reflect the full facts.
- Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressed sympathy for Egan and said members of the public who feel able should intervene to stop thefts if they can do so safely.
- Local customers are planning a peaceful protest outside the Aldridge store in support of Egan, who says his family has struggled financially since his dismissal.