A MUM asked a judge to ban her burglar son from ever returning to Oxfordshire to stop him breaking into homes.

Anthony Martin, formerly of Stratton Way, Abingdon, was jailed on Monday after admitting stealing wine and drugs during two break ins.

His mother asked Judge Gordon Risius to ban him from Oxfordshire to help his fight to beat a drug addiction.

The 35-year-old broke into a home in South Avenue, Abingdon, and a Lloyds pharmacy in the Peachcroft shopping centre on May 28.

He stole wine, a laptop and jewellery from the house, and the drugs diazepam and dihydrocodeine from the chemist.

Ruth Zentler-Munro, prosecuting, said Martin had 32 convictions for 75 offences, which included a string of domestic burglaries.

Speaking in Oxford Crown Court she added that he was also a long-term drug addict who had told police the burglaries were part of a suicide attempt.

Benjamin Newton, defending, said that his client now lives in Ryde on the Isle of Wight after moving away from the area.

He told judge Gordon Risius that Martin had the full support of his family, who believed it was returning to Abingdon which prompted his reoffending.

Mr Newton said: “He clearly makes progress when he is on the Isle of Wight, the problem is when he comes back to Abingdon.”

In a move described as “exceptional” by the judge, the barrister asked if Martin’s mother Pamela could speak in her son’s defence.

Questioning her Mr Newton asked: “Is it right you would like to see your son banned from ever returning to Oxfordshire?”

Mrs Martin, who was described by Mr Newton as a qualified drug and alcohol worker, replied: “Yes.”

She added that she wanted to try to work with her son to try and beat his addiction “before it is too late”.

Mrs Martin said: “I know he feels very remorseful and very guilty and upset about what has happened. There is nothing left to hide any more.”

But Judge Risius said despite “thoughtful” comments from his mother, Martin was facing a three-year minimum sentence for committing three or more domestic burglaries. He added that the rule could be waived in “exceptional” circumstances – but this case did not qualify.

Judge Risius said to Martin: “A balance has to be struck between your interests and those of the wider community.

“I appreciate the distress you have already caused your family and their concern to do what they can for you.

“But on this occasion the public has to come first.”

He sentenced Martin – who admitted two counts of burglary – to three years in person and told him to “make something” of his life when he is released.