A 28-year-old man from Witney has been sentenced to a total of 29 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to multiple offences.
Alex Clifton, whose address was listed as Gessey Close in Long Hanborough, appeared at Oxford Crown Court where the sentence was imposed on September 4.
Prosecutors outlined that over several days in June, Clifton systematically carried out eight residential break-ins across Oxfordshire villages.
The properties targeted included homes in North Newnington, Longworth, Chadlington, Sibford Ferris, Kirtlington, Kingham, and Deddington.
In addition to the burglaries, he faced charges of fraud by false representation and resisting a police officer.
The stolen items included cash, jewellery, and bank cards.
He subsequently used the bank cards to make purchases for himself, defrauding victims of £76.29 in total.
The court was informed that Clifton has an extensive criminal record comprising 26 previous convictions, many of which involved theft and burglary.
The prosecution presented this history to illustrate his pattern of offending.
During sentencing proceedings, the defence indicated that the defendant recognised the gravity of his actions.
It was submitted that his offending behaviour stemmed from substance abuse issues and that he had been candid about the role addiction played in his crimes.
The court heard that he accepted responsibility for his conduct and had expressed a desire to address his problems.
Counsel noted that while in custody, Clifton had been held on a drug-free wing and had produced negative test results, suggesting efforts to make positive changes during his remand.
The presiding judge observed that the offences were committed over a brief period and constituted a deliberate sequence rather than isolated incidents.
Reference was made to the fact that some victims were elderly and that one resident was present inside their property during the burglary.
The court noted the defendant’s acknowledged substance dependency and mental health difficulties while recognising the progress reportedly made during his time in prison.
Clifton was ordered to serve a total of 29 months for the eight counts of burglary, five counts of fraud by false representation, and one count of obstructing a police officer.