ANTHONY Grant is lurking behind day nine of our Badvent calendar and police officers are hoping that one of our readers will help them arrest him in time for Christmas.

The Oxford Mail and Thames Valley Police have teamed up to publish a different “most wanted” mugshot each day during the run-up to Christmas in a crime crackdown designed to allow suspects to face justice.

Grant, of no fixed abode, is wanted following the theft of a vehicle from the John Radcliffe Hospital and a theft from a flat in Banbury Road, Oxford, on June 13.

He is described as white, around 5ft 11ins tall and is in his 40s.

Pc Neil Pugh said: “This man has blue eyes and is clean shaven. The photo shows him with collar length dark brown greying, greasy untidy hair – and it is thought that his hair has since been cut.

“He was recently seen at The Leys Pharmacy in Cowley Road and the Job Centre in George Street.”

Anyone with information should call Pc Pugh on the non-emergency police number 101, or the Crimestoppers hotline anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Meanwhile, our first Badvent suspect to make a court appearance has been sentenced.

Ashley Appleby, of Samphire Road, Blackbird Leys, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday where he was given 70 days for breaching the terms of his suspended sentence.

The 21-year-old, who featured in Badvent on day five, was also wanted on a warrant for a charge of theft from Superdrug in Oxford city centre and a warrant regarding a robbery in Sandy Lane West, Littlemore. He could face further charges once the Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed his case.