A CHARITY Christmas light display in Barton has been vandalised for the third year running.

Martin Scarrott said he will not let the “lowlife” who smashed part of the installation at his home in North Way put him off staging the display again next year.

But the 49-year-old was forced to switch this year’s 10,000-light display off early to try to deter vandals.

He turned the lights off on January 1 rather than January 10 as he had originally planned, a move he said will mean fewer donations for Oxford disability charity My Life, My Choice.

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Mr Scarrott, who lives with wife Debbie, 51, said: “It is very disappointing.

“This is three times it has happened. Last time the person stole the collection box.

“I just cannot understand the mentality. People have asked me if I will do it next year and yes, I will.

“I will not let a lowlife stop me doing it. If he thinks he will stop me he has another think coming.”

Mr Scarrott said a man entered his garden on December 30 and 31 and damaged garden ornaments and lights.

It comes after a box for collecting donations at the display was damaged in Christmas 2012 and 2013, when money was being raised for Helen and Douglas House hospice and Help for Heroes.

This year’s display raised £210 before it was switched off.

The couple chose to raise money for My Life, My Choice because it has helped Mr Scarrott’s brother Paul and his sister-in-law Jackie Scarrott.

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CCTV image of a man in the garden  

The charity provides disabled people across Oxfordshire with services like a travel buddy scheme, support sessions and a radio station.

It also hosts Oxford’s only nightclub event for people with learning disabilities.

Mr Scarrott said: “We decided it was for the best to turn them off because of him (the vandal) being around.

“Even though we have CCTV he does not seem to be scared of coming into the garden.”

Mr Scarrott said he had seen a large man hanging around on the corner of North Way and Burchester Avenue.

He added: “People would have seen him with his push bike and they might remember him and be able to help the police.”

Thames Valley Police spokesman James Williams said: “We are investigating the incidents.

“The offender was wearing a black jacket, trainers and had something on his head.

“He also had a bicycle.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/ bartonchristmaslights2014.

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