A shoplifter who repeatedly stole from Ashford businesses has been sentenced to prison thanks to the quick action of local police.

Officers from the Ashford Victim Based Crime Team investigated a series of thefts involving clothing, alcohol and food from various shops in the town between Friday 1 and Wednesday 6 December 2023.

Their enquiries led them to Jesse Barton, who was arrested on Wednesday 6 December.

The 35-year-old from Ashford, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and one count of possession of cocaine at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 December and was given a 15-week prison sentence.

Inspector Hilary Bell, of the Ashford Victim Based Crime Team, said:

‘We are committed to tackling shoplifting and safeguarding the town’s businesses and their staff.

‘I am glad that the prompt work of officers investigating these cases resulted in the offender being put behind bars just two days after his last offence.’

©2024 Hawkinge Gazette       -       The Hawkinge Gazette is not responsible for the content of external sites