A burglar has been jailed for seven years after being found guilty of eight offences across Swindon and Wiltshire.

Sean Porter, 40, formerly of Purton, Swindon, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court today for a series of robberies and burglaries going back to January.

The charges included robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at Ladbrokes in Swindon in February, a burglary at Eggelicious Café in the same month , burglary at Crumps Butchers in Royal Wootton Bassett, and aggravated vehicle taking from an address in Swindon in March.

Det Con Steve Edwards, from Melksham CID, said: “Porter committed a number of serious offences over a two-month period and made significant efforts to conceal his identify and evade justice across two counties.

“He targeted lone staff members at the beginning and end of shifts, which had a traumatic effect on some of his victims.

“I would like to thank all the victims for their bravery and assistance as we sought to first identify and then track down Porter for each of these offences, and for their willingness to tell the court how his actions have continued to affect them.

“Porter was on license for a previous robbery offence at the time of these crimes, and I want to highlight both the seriousness of his actions and his clear disregard for the law.

“Members of the public should feel safe at their places at work and should not have to endure horrific experiences like those which Porter subjected them to whilst they were simply trying to do their jobs.”