Paramagnetic resonance spectra are reported for V²⁺ ions occupying orthorhombic symmetry sites in the cubic lattice of magnesium oxide. The local distortion from O_h symmetry at the vanadium ion site is attributed to a cation vacancy located in a nearest neighbour position along a (110) direction. The spectra are composed of 'forbidden' Delta M_s=+or-2 and Delta M_s=+or-3 transitions in addition to the 'allowed' Delta M_s=+or-1 transitions. The spectra which were recorded at microwave frequencies near 9.5 GHz and 35 GHz may be described by the spin Hamiltonian, H=g beta B.S+D(S_z²-¹/₃ S(S+1))+E(S_x²-S_y²)+AI.S with g=1.9910 (isotropic), mod D mod =0.1819 cm^-1, mod E mod =0.0419 cm^-1 and mod A mod =0.0072 cm^-1 (isotropic). The observed hyperfine structure is complicated by the presence of 'forbidden' lines, which become allowed off axis owing to the breakdown of the Delta M_I=0 selection rule by the second order mixing of the fine structure and hyperfine structure terms. The spectrum from Cr³⁺ in a similarly distorted site has been examined at 35 GHz, a frequency higher than those previously used. In contradistinction to X and K band measurements by other workers, all possible Delta M_s=+or-1 transitions are observed.