Serial Offender Jailed for Restraining Order Breach and Theft in Oxfordshire

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A 34-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to a series of offences, including breaching a restraining order, driving while disqualified, and multiple thefts across Oxfordshire. The sentencing followed a Thames Valley Police investigation and took place at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 16 July.

The offender, Morton Morton, of no fixed abode, had previously received a suspended six-month sentence for breaching an indefinite restraining order. That sentence was activated during Wednesday’s hearing. In addition, Morton received another six-month term for recent offences he admitted to committing earlier this month.

The court heard that Morton’s offences included a fresh breach of the same restraining order, driving while disqualified, and five separate counts of shoplifting. His criminal activity took place between 4 and 16 July, involving high-value thefts and direct intimidation of the victim protected under the restraining order.

On 4 July, an off-duty police officer observed Morton driving a vehicle despite being disqualified. Days later, on 12 July, Morton unlawfully visited the home of the protected individual and verbally harassed her, an act that directly violated the standing court order. Later that day, he stole nearly £300 worth of clothing from Asda at Templar’s Square in Cowley.

Morton returned to the same Asda location on 14 July, stealing a dehumidifier valued at £105. On 15 July, he stole an air fryer worth just under £200. The following day, he attempted to steal additional goods, including a bath sheet and two vacuum cleaners worth £213, after removing their security tags. However, he failed to leave the store with those items and was arrested shortly afterwards.

Upon his arrest, Morton was charged, convicted, and sentenced on the same day. In addition to the prison term, he was handed a three-year driving ban, which will come into effect upon his release.

Detective Constable Emma Brown of Oxford Police Station described Morton as a “persistent offender” with “a continued disregard for the law.” She stated, “We remain committed to protecting victims and will use every tool at our disposal to ensure individuals like Morton are apprehended and brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.”

She added that it is hoped Morton will use his prison sentence as an opportunity to reconsider his behaviour and the damage caused to victims and the wider community.