Former councillor Helen Smith has been found guilty today (September 8) on charges of theft of £847 worth of goods, assault and dangerous driving.
The offences took place in April 2015 at Wyevale Garden Centre in Ramsgate. The court heard that after attempting to leave the store without paying Smith then got in her car and hit a company vehicle and a member of staff, causing an ankle injury.
Smith had denied the charges.
A second defendant had evidence presented to the court during a preliminary hearing (August 29) to show he is currently not fit to stand trial.
Ms Smith, 53, of St John’s Avenue in Ramsgate, was previously a Thanet councillor for Northwood ward, elected on a UKIP ticket in 2015, but stood down in June 2016 following revelation of the charges, which were served by post on September 17, 2015.
Ms Smith, whose trial was held at Canterbury Crown Court this week, has been bailed while sentencing reports are prepared.
Sentencing will take place on September 22 at Canterbury Crown Court.