Shoplifter jailed for defying court ban on entering Ashford stores

A repeat offender from Ashford has been returned to prison after breaching a court order that banned him from entering shops across the town.

Jessie Barton was issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in August, prohibiting him from entering multiple retail premises, including stores within the Ashford Designer Outlet.

Despite the restrictions, on New Year’s Day Barton entered the Puma store at the Designer Outlet and stole clothing worth a total of £124. The following day, he targeted the Tommy Hilfiger store, taking items valued at £361. CCTV footage shows Barton leaving both shops hastily with the stolen goods concealed in a bag.

The incidents were reported to Kent Police, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Arrested

On 2 January, officers located Barton on Beaver Road, Ashford just four hours after the second theft was reported. During a search, he was found carrying five jumpers, all still bearing security tags.

He was arrested, remanded in custody, and later charged with two counts of theft and two breaches of his CBO.

Barton, 37, of no fixed address, appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5 January, where he pleaded guilty to all offences. He was sentenced the same day to three months’ imprisonment.

Police Sergeant Sarah Williams said:

‘The decision to return Barton to prison sends a clear message that repeat offending and breaches of Criminal Behaviour Orders will not be tolerated. These restrictions are put in place to protect our communities, and they carry serious consequences when ignored.  ‘Thanks to the swift work of our officers, the offender was located within hours and found still in possession of stolen items, which ensured he was brought quickly to justice.’