A homeless shoplifter who abused a probation officer and a shop worker asked to be jailed as he "would be better off in prison".

Ben Nelson asked magistrates to send him straight to jail on Monday after he admitted eight offences committed in August, September and October. 

The 24-year-old of no fixed address had been dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms at the time of the offences.

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But the court heard how his GP refused to prescribe any medication to help with these symptoms, prompting him to say "I would be better off in prison".

He went to a probation officer to ask to be sent back to prison in relation to previous offences he'd committed.

But he was told that would not be possible, leading to him becoming abusive.

He threatened to damage a woman's laptop and smash a window, leaving her feeling "upset". 

In a separate incident, he abused a shop worker who recognised him and asked him to leave Dunelm in Romsey.

Prosecutor Tom Corke said she was left "feeling very embarrassed and very intimidated".

Nelson, who the court heard has been homeless since last leaving prison, admitted five counts of theft from a shop, two public order offences and threatening to damage property. 

His solicitor, Louise Morgan, told magistrates: "He asks you to consider an immediate custodial sentence for these offences. 

"They will not prescribe him anything to deal with his alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

"That somewhat sets him on this road of how upset he is.

"He then decides there is not really much for me out in the community and I would be better off in prison."

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She added that he has struggled with mental health issues and "took it out on people that didn't deserve it". 

Nelson, who wore a grey t-shirt in the dock, told the court "I am guilty and I apologise". 

He was jailed for 18 weeks and must pay £121.55 in compensation. 

The money will be deducted from his benefits. 

He will also serve time for two previous offences of battery and a domestic abuse matter.