James Horton from Wolverhampton has been jailed for repeated shoplifting, a drugs offence and failing to attend court – and faces a five-year ban from shops in a road upon his release

A serial shoplifter from Wolverhampton has been put behind bars and told he is banned from a city street for years when he is released.

James Horton was convicted of possession of Class A drugs, multiple shop thefts and failing to answer to court when he did appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court this week.

And now the 37-year-old has been handed a six-month jail term and told when he gets out he is banned from an ‘exclusion zone’ for five years.

Horton is subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, which bans him from going in Newbridge Shops in Tettenhall Road.

Read more: City rapist preyed on woman and attacked her at his home

If he breaches the order, Horton will be arrested and could face more time in jail.

In a statement, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “A man is beginning a prison sentence after being convicted of drug offences and a series of shop thefts.

“James Horton was convicted of possession of Class A drugs, multiple shop thefts and failing to answer to court, when he appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 February.

“The 37-year-old, from Wolverhampton, was given a 26-week custodial sentence.

“And a Criminal Behaviour Order for five years with an exclusion zone banning him from entering Newbridge Shops on Tettenhall Road.

“If Horton breaches the order he faces being arrested and spending more time behind bars..”

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join

The statement continued: “Our officers are working hard to liaise with local retailers and store security to identify persistent offenders and any emerging trends or hotspots.

“If you see any suspicious activity while you are out and about please tell us.

“You can do this by calling 101 or via Live Chat on our website.”