An addict who admitted 21 break-ins has been handed a stay at a drugs rehabilitation centre instead of a jail sentence.

Repeat offender Jamie Armitt has been behind bars for ten out of the past 12 years for committing offences to feed his drug habit.

The 31-year-old, of Grand Parade, Brighton, who has 67 previous convictions, was sentenced to a two-year community order with a condition he stays at a drug rehabilitation centre in Hove.

Lewes Crown Court was told that Armitt was caught breaking into New England House, a building which contains separate businesses and workshops in New England Street, Brighton, on the night of May 5.

Ann Toynbee, prosecuting, said an artist who was working late heard Armitt make a noise at about 3.30am.

When he saw the handle on his door moving, he armed himself with a mallet.

After giving chase, Armitt and another man he was with escaped.

That night Armitt had broken into other units in the block.

Among the items stolen were five laptop computers worth £3,500.

Days later he broke into the Brighton offices of the charity Terrence Higgins Trust, in Ship Street, where cash was stolen.

Armitt admitted two charges of burglary and asked for 19 others to be taken into consideration when he was sentenced.