A JUDGE told a burglar to “get a job” as he left dock after threatening him with jail if he misses a single probation appointment.

Judge Peter Ross warned Matthew Morris, 36, after he missed three Probation Service appointments.

He previously pleaded guilty to burglary, theft from a vehicle, possession of heroin, a Class A drug, and two counts of fraud by false representation.

All offences were committed last May but Morris, of Vineyards in Abingdon, was given a deferred sentence. Judge Ross had released Morris on the condition that he attend appointments with the Probation Service.

He appeared in Oxford Crown Court on Monday after missing the appointments.

Graham Bennett, defending, said Morris has done “good voluntary work” on a farm since the offences but has not secured a paid job.

Judge Ross told Mr Bennett: “I am yet to hear any real explanation as to why he did not keep the appointments with the Prosecution Service.”

Morris took to the witness stand and said he missed one appointment because of illness but could not give a reason for missing the other two meetings.

Judge Ross said: “If you are not able to answer the question in a straight-forward way it raises real questions in my mind of whether you should be at liberty. The support of the Probation Service is for keeping you on the straight and narrow. Your failure to keep the appointments has given me grave cause for concern."

He sentenced Morris to a three-year community order.

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Morris must attend probation appointments, do 240 hours of unpaid work and complete a restorative justice programme within 12 months and not possess any illegal drugs.

Judge Ross said: “You must comply with each and every one of these.

“If you miss one appointment or fail on any of these conditions you will be going to prison for up to three years.

“I will require a report every three months on your progress and any breach should be brought back to me immediately.”

Before Morris left the courtroom Judge Ross told him: "Get a job."

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