A HOMELESS man currently resident in a tent in Oswestry has been given a 12-month community order for a series of assaults and thefts.

Nick Jones, 35, appeared at Telford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 2 charged with stealing £41 worth of alcohol from Morrisons in Shrewsbury Road on July 1, this year.

He also faced charges of assaulting three people at Telford Shopping Centre in June, this year, after he was caught stealing around £150 worth of cosmetics from a Boots store.

Jones, who is dependent on drugs and alcohol, pleaded guilty to the thefts, as well as attacking security guards and staff at the shopping centre.

The court heard that Jones was abusive and during a prolonged altercation with security, members of public supported them in restraining him and then eventually police came.

It also heard that in interview, Jones became very remorseful and emotional, and said he did not remember being in the shopping centre.

He was fined £20 and ordered to pay compensation to his three victims of £100 and will also have to carry out 25 rehabilitation days.

Jones will also be banned indefinitely from entering Telford Shopping Centre.