Prolific Swindon shoplifter recalled to prison

A prolific shoplifter who has continued to offend whilst on licence from prison has been jailed.

Martin Morgan, 38, of Great Western Hotel, Swindon, was released from prison on licence on January 9 after he was jailed back in May last year for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering Swindon town centre shops.

This Criminal Behaviour Order remains in place until 2025, however, on January 24 Morgan breached the order by entering One Below (now One Beyond) on Regent Street and making off with approximately £150 worth of items.

He was arrested on January 30 and remanded to court the following day where he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation and pay £114 surcharge.

But despite this, on February 1 he entered Boots in Swindon town centre, and made off with items worth approximately £150, further breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order. Then on February 5, he entered the Co-Op in High Street and attempted to steal more than £100 worth of alcohol.  He was detained and subsequently arrested and remanded to court the following day.

On this occasion, he was recalled to prison and received an additional 12 month custodial sentence.

PC Adam Gutowski said: “Quite frankly, we as the local policing team, and the local businesses in Swindon town centre, are fed up of Morgan’s constant offending and inability to comply with the restrictions imposed on him by the Criminal Behaviour Order.

“He continues time and time again to offend, causing misery for business owners in the local area. I am pleased that he has been given a further custodial sentence which means he will not be able to cause further misery to local shop owners.”