A drug addict who stole from his mother's purse was sent to jail for four months.

Sean Baker, 29, of Bodiam Avenue, Brighton, admitted a charge of theft when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court.

The court heard Baker was visiting his mother's home in the city one afternoon in July last year when a pipe burst upstairs and his parents and brothers rushed to see what they could do.

When the family returned downstairs Baker, who had remained in the living room, had gone.

The front door was left open and £120 cash was missing from his mother's purse.

His mother had hidden her purse in the hall following previous occasions when Baker had stolen from her to feed his heroin habit.

A lawn trimmer was also missing from the garage.

Baker was later arrested in Wales.

David Gritt, defending, said Baker now wanted to change his life. He said his real problem was drug addiction and he would welcome help.

He said: "He was depressed and upset in the cells today. He is quite a sorry character."

Mr Gritt said Baker's mother had attended court to offer support to her son.

Baker also admitted breaching a drug treatment and testing order imposed in July last year after he was convicted of two other offences of stealing from his mother.