A MAN with Asperger’s who went on a series of drug-fuelled thefts was spared jail by magistrates.

James Bowen, of Lehar Close in Brighton Hill pleaded guilty to five offences at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.

He was in the dock for stealing headphones from Asda in Brighton Hill on March 8, and £8.99 worth of alcohol from a One Stop shop on March 17.

The 21-year-old was also charged with using threatening words when he was arrested on March 20, and being found in possession of cannabis.

The final charge was a count of criminal damage after he threw a traffic cone at an oncoming Vauxhall Corsa in a random attack on March 28 which caused £75 worth of damage.

Kerry Richardson, prosecuting, said Bowen was arrested in Brighton Hill Asda after a police officer identified him, having seen CCTV footage of the headphone theft.

During his arrest he used offensive language heard by shoppers and school children, Mrs Richardson said.

Ed Stott, defending, said that Bowen’s problem was cannabis and his constant use of it. “He said to me he spends most of his day figuring out how to get his hands on some more.” he said.

Mr Stott said Bowen was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when he was a child. Bowen was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with a 12-month supervision requirement, and six months drug rehabilitation.

He was also ordered to pay £50 towards the damaged Corsa, and £8.99 for the stolen alcohol.

Presiding magistrate Julia Woods said: “This will not only punish you for these offences but assist you with your cannabis problem which is the cause of your offending.”