Ryan Etherton was approached by someone in Marks and Spencer in Priority Meadow Shopping Centre, Hastings, who witnessed him trying to steal from the shop on January 28.
In response, he attacked them to such an extent that they had to go to hospital for treatment.
Etherton, of Godwin Road, Hastings, was identified via the DISC system – a free online app connecting businesses to their local policing teams, where users can share information such as CCTV images to help recognise prolific offenders.
The 47-year-old was arrested on January 31 and charged with assault of a person causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and theft.
He has since pleaded guilty to both offences and is due to be sentenced at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on March 20.
Sussex Police said this is part of a crackdown on business crime in Hastings which has led to multiple arrests.
On February 5, plain-clothed patrol officers in Hastings town centre saw suspected thefts from Gregg’s Bakery and Holland and Barrett in Queen’s Road.
Kay Pawson, 37, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of theft and Aron Croft, 35, of Western Road, St Leonards, was arrested on suspicion of theft and breach of bail conditions. They have both been charged with the offences.
Pawson has been released on unconditional bail ahead of her next appearance at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on February 28.
Croft pleaded guilty and has been released on conditional bail ahead of sentencing on April 3.
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