Jail for Ashford shoplifter charged with 13 offences

A shoplifter from Ashford who faced 13 charges after targeting several shops in one week has been swiftly jailed.

Jesse Barton, 37, of Sackville Crescent, admitted to the offences before Folkestone magistrates.

Retailers targeted

Between Monday 22 and Monday 29 June 2026, Barton stole from four retail outlets in the town on six separate occasions.

The thief took clothing from Adidas, laundry products from Co-op at Brookfield Court and meat items from two different branches of Morrisons Daily.

The goods were valued at more than £900 in total.

Suspect charged

Enquiries were completed and, on Tuesday 30 June, officers arrested Barton in Austin Road. He was charged later that day with six counts of theft and six breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He was also charged with refusing to provide a sample for a drugs test.

Jail sentence

After pleading guilty before court on Wednesday 1 July, Barton was immediately sentenced to 7 months’ imprisonment.

Inspector Sarah Williams said: 'Persistent shoplifting has a significant impact on local businesses and the communities they serve, which is why we remain relentless in pursuing those who repeatedly offend. 'Thanks to the swift work of officers in identifying, locating and arresting Barton, he has been brought before the courts and sentenced to a custodial term. I am pleased to see a repeat offender held accountable for his actions, and hope this result reassures retailers that we will continue working tirelessly to bring prolific thieves to justice and protect businesses from further harm.'