A MOTHER "shopped" her teenage son after he burgled her home to fund his drug habit.

Anne Ison of Bournemouth alerted police after discovering that 18-year-old Simon Chenery had broken in and stolen £580 from a cash box.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Angela England said Chenery's mother had offered him a roof over his head after he became homeless.

"There was a history of suspicion between them and only certain rooms were available to him: the lounge, bathroom and kitchen. The bedrooms were always locked and she never gave him permission to enter them."

Miss England recalled how Chenery's mother had gone to work on New Year's Eve, leaving him asleep on the sofa.

"Later, neighbours saw a male trying to gain entry through a window with a garden fork. Police were called, but because he was able to enter the flat, they didn't arrest him," she added.

The court heard how Chenery's mother had contacted the police after returning home to find the cash box in a bedroom was empty. After being arrested and released on bail, Chenery burgled a Good Samaritan in Beresford Road, Southbourne, who had offered to take him in, stealing £2,000 worth of his possessions.

Chenery admitted the two burglaries, three theft charges and making off without paying for a meal and drinks at a Bournemouth restaurant.

Miss England told the court how Chenery's mother had agreed to take him in again, but discovered on March 23 this year that he had stolen a satellite navigation system worth £159. She called the police again and he was arrested.

Defending, Rachel Spearing said her client suffered from a drug and alcohol problem, adding: "He is a young 18 and quite immature; he is vulnerable. He has difficulties but is not beyond redemption.

"He is aware of the love his mother feels for him. She keeps trying to take him back and help him, but only he can help himself. This is the last motel stop for him - the next stop will be prison."

Imposing a community order with the condition that Chenery is supervised for 12 months and receives drug treatment for six months, Judge Samuel Wiggs told him: "This is a lenient course. It is designed to try to help you and also the other people you have committed offences against."