On Saturday afternoon, CCTV footage captured a dramatic incident involving a fleeing shoplifter at Mainsgill Farmshop in Richmond, North Yorkshire. The video, shared on Facebook, has garnered over 1.2 million views.

Alan Lewis, 58, from Goole, was recorded driving a black Vauxhall Corsa towards a staff member who was attempting to close the gates to prevent his escape. The shocking footage shows the vehicle nudging the employee before accelerating away, with the staff member holding onto the bonnet of the car as it sped down the road.

Fortunately, the shop confirmed that the employee was not injured but was left feeling 'shaken up' by the encounter. The shop issued a statement, noting, "This man is a repeating shop lifter!! He has just sped out of Mainsgill with Matthew on and under his bonnet as we tried to shut the gates!!"

Lewis has pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including theft from a shop, two counts of driving while disqualified, two counts of using a vehicle without third-party insurance, and dangerous driving, as reported by Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service.

He has been remanded in custody pending his next hearing, which is scheduled for December 17 at York Crown Court at 10:30 AM.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident, stating: "Over the weekend, you may have seen some shocking video footage showing an incident at a farm shop near Richmond. We can update you that a man in his 50s from Goole has appeared at York Magistrates Court today and has been charged with shop theft, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, and dangerous driving. We'll keep you informed about how the case progresses."