A COCAINE addict who punched his mother when she confronted him over stealing from his brother to fund his £300-a-week habit has been jailed.
Scaffolder Mark Hales, 25, hit mum Pauline in the back of the head at her home in Eastbourne.
Just three days earlier he attacked his girlfriend in the street and punched a pensioner who tried to help her, Lewes Crown Court heard.
Hales, of Whi
tley Close, admitted assault causing harm, common assault, criminal damage and theft and was jailed for 19 months.
The court heard he has 29 previous convictions for disorderly behaviour, battery and resisting a police officer.
Judge Charles Kemp told Hales, "You steal from your brother, which is particularly mean, in order to get money to feed your drug addiction and then you assault your mum."
The court heard that at the time of the offences earlier this year Hales was spending £300-a-week on cocaine and £60 a week on alcohol.
Prosecutor Rossano Scarmadella told the court that on May 2 Hales stole a games console worth £445 from his brother Joseph's bedroom.
When his mother confronted Hales he punched her in the back of the head, the court heard.
Just three days earlier he had attacked his girlfriend in Green Street where passers-by saw him push and shove the woman.
Hales, who was clutching a can of beer, was seen hitting her in the face. When a pensioner intervened, Hales punched him to the head and he fell to the floor.
He later needed hospital treatment for his fingers which were dislocated.
As he walked away he punched the window of a nearby parked car, causing the glass to smash which cost £300 to repair.
Defending, Sarah Lindop said Hales, who has been remanded in custody since his arrest, was extremely remorseful.
She said, "He is now back on good terms with his mother and his brother. I am told by Mr Hales he has been visited by them in prison.
"He is starting to realise he needs to get help with his drug problem."
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