A burglar who targeted Carlisle businesses has been jailed for eight months and banned from the city centre for two years.
Stephen Francis Morton, 47, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at North Cumbria Magistrates’ Court earlier this week.
On February 19, Morton committed two burglaries at stores in Carlisle city centre with intent to steal.
The stores were the Premier convenience store on Lonsdale Street and B&M on English Street.
On March 30, Morton attempted to steal a £7.25 bottle of wine from Home Bargains on Earl’s Lane.
Police also secured a two-year criminal behaviour order following the conviction.
It means Morton banned from:
- Entering the city centre
- Being in possession of any unsealed vessel containing alcohol in any public place, except inside a licensed premises.
- Entering any premises part of the Carlisle Shopwatch/Cumbria Safer Business Partnership (Carlisle).
- Entering Tesco Express on English Street, Carlisle
- Entering Spar on English Street, Carlisle
- Entering Farmfoods on Shaddongate, Carlisle
PC Andrew Beal, a Community Beat Officer for the Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “Stephen Morton’s actions show a blatant disregard for businesses and the wider community. Burglary and theft has a real impact on local retailers and will not be tolerated.
“Thanks to the proactive work of our neighbourhood team, Morton is now behind bars and additional restrictions have been put in place to help protect businesses in Carlisle.
“The Criminal Behaviour Order gives officers further powers, and we will not hesitate to act if these conditions are breached.”
The punishment for breaking the terms of a criminal behaviour order can be up to five years in prison.
