A man who snatched a laptop computer from a woman was caught after his DNA was found on sunglasses he dropped at the scene.

Jessica Thomas was working on her computer as she sat on steps outside her home in Roundhill Crescent, Brighton, waiting for her flatmate to return home to let her in.

She was approached by James Long who told her he had spent £120 boozing in a pub and was looking to buy drugs from someone.

Marcus Fletcher, prosecuting at Hove Crown Court, said Miss Thomas ignored Long and turned to walk away.

Mr Fletcher said: “There was a struggle as Long tried to get the computer from her.

“He tumbled down the steps and his sunglasses came off as he fell.

“Long got up, grabbed the laptop and ran off chased by Miss Thomas.

“She was unable to keep up and lost him. He was later identified after DNA tests were carried out on the sunglasses he left behind.”

Long had a small amount of cannabis on him when he was arrested at his home in October. The laptop he had stolen in the July 28 incident was found in his room.

The court was told he had ten previous convictions for 24 offences including violence and possessing cannabis.

Steven Hosking, defending, said Long had spent time in hospital suffering from psychosis since his arrest because of the drugs he took.

He said the theft was out of character for Long who intended to sell the computer to pay for drugs.

Long, of Bramble Way, Brighton, admitted theft and was given a two year supervised community order.