A HONITON drug addict has been jailed for 12 weeks after he stole from his mother and brother to feed his habit.

A HONITON drug addict has been jailed for 12 weeks after he stole from his mother and brother to feed his habit.

Stuart James Joseph Fowler, 31, will spend another Christmas in prison after going back on drugs and being convicted of two cases of theft.

Central Devon Magistrates' Court, in Exeter, heard how Fowler, of Manor Crescent, has spent nearly half the Christmases in his lifetime in prison.

Defending, Stephen Nunn said; "Over the last 14 Christmases, he has had two at liberty; he had hoped this would be his third one."

On November 26, Fowler stole from a car parked in Exeter.

He took a wallet with Audi car keys, a door key, a �5 note and a small bag of coins - while the driver of the car had bent down to pick something up.

In a police interview, Fowler admitted he knew it was wrong, but said he would have just spent the money and thrown away the keys.

And on November 30, he took two computers worth �1,048 from his family, who had taken him back.

He admitting selling the computers, but refused to say who to or for how much.

Fowler pleaded guilty to the charges. In mitigation, Stephen Nunn said Fowler had been a drug addict for some time and had had help in the past with a degree of success.

He said: "This drug habit has taken over his whole life and changed the way he is."

He added Fowler was aware he had breached his family's trust and realised it was "shabby".

"It's with a lot of regret that Mr Fowler had fallen from grace again."

He said Fowler would need accommodation and treatment in order for him not to re-offend.

The court revoked a conditional discharge for 12 months for two previous offences of theft.

Fowler, who appeared in court in custody, was given credit for his early guilty pleas and his 13 days already spent in custody were taken into account.