Armed robber sentenced (STATUS: Press release)

JON Shirley, aged 23 and of no fixed abode, has pleaded guilty to four counts of armed robbery and two firearms offences and has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years imprisonment.

The sentence relates to armed robberies at Londis, in Wheatley where the owner was pistol whipped, a BP petrol station in Marston and a private residence in High Street, Beckley where a couple were robbed and beaten.

These armed robberies are part of a large series across the county which started in December 2008 and ended with the arrest of Shirley in February 2009.

Det Insp Simon Morton, ?We aren?t looking for anyone else in connection with these robberies.

?This was an extensive police investigation which lasted months and involved a team of detectives, many local officers, specialist departments, and help from the community.

?We worked relentlessly and used many innovative tactics to track down and arrest this elusive, determined and violent criminal who raised the fear of crime across Oxfordshire.

?Shirley must now pay for his violence and Oxfordshire is a safer place with him in prison.

?I would like to thank the public and the media for their support in this investigation which assisted us in bringing him to justice.?