POLICE have praised the jail terms handed to two men who launched a drink and drug-fuelled ‘campaign of terror’ across west Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley Police said the actions of Michael Quilligan, 32, of Crawford Gardens, London, and Grellan McCarthy, 33, of Lady Margaret Road, London, were 'reckless and frightening.'

Oxford Crown Court heard last week that the ‘insane’ hour-and-a-half involved multiple crimes of robbery, burglary and taking vehicles.

Prosecutors described the extraordinary day-time incident as a ‘terrifying crime spree.’

READ AGAIN: The original report from the sentencing hearing at court.

The pair admitted a slew of offences of robbery, burglary, and of having cannabis, which all took place on January 13 this year in and around the Witney area.

The incident involved stealing cars, burgling homes and multiple robberies before they were caught and arrested that day.

Sentencing, Judge Ian Pringle QC jailed each of the men for five years and four months for what he called a ‘campaign of terror.’

Speaking after the sentencing hearing investigating officer, Detective Constable Steve Bates, based at Witney police station, welcomed the jail terms.

He said: “I am pleased that Quilligan and McCarthy have received a substantial custodial sentence for the actions.

“Their actions on 13 January were reckless and frightening for the victims involved.

“Thames Valley Police does not tolerate this behaviour and works hard to bring to offenders to justice.

“Quilligan and McCarthy will now have time to reflect on their actions.”