A HOMELESS man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting a string of thefts from vehicles - including swiping a sat nav device from an undercover police car.

Benjamin Dixon, a self-confessed legal high addict, appeared before Bournemouth Magistrates' Court.

The 28-year-old was arrested days after stealing the sat nav device from a Dorset Police covert capture car.

After his arrest, last month, and the subsequent investigation, officers also charged him in connection with three other thefts from vehicles in the Bournemouth area.

He admitted these additional charges of dishonestly receiving stolen goods, namely a Microsoft Surface 2 tablet computer, worth £250; a Sony Experia mobile phone, worth £90; and an I-phone costing £350.

All of these items were recovered undamaged by officers, after being reported stolen from cars.

During Thursday's court hearing, magistrates heard that Dixon, who is battling drug issues, had been finding it hard to secure treatment because his addiction is to legal highs.

Sentencing him to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, chairman of the bench Mr Glenn O'Hara said: "Your record speaks for itself, you have committed similar offences in the past. We are going to deal with this by way of a suspended sentence.

"Understand, if you commit any offences during this time you should expect to receive a prison sentence."

The court also heard how Dixon had damaged a holding cell and safety clothing at Dorset Police's custody suite after his arrest

Dixon, who only spoke to confirm his name, was also ordered to pay £260 in joint criminal court and victim surcharges.