A homeless man blew his last chance to get back on track when he stole from a charity.

Patrick Henry pinched a laptop computer from the Salvation Army just two days after the courts gave him a reprieve.

Magistrates gave him a suspended sentence and community work on Friday for pushing a female police officer into oncoming traffic.

But less than 48 hours later, the 33-year-old father was in trouble again.

Henry, who lives in a hostel in Butt Road, Colchester, had gone to the nearby Salvation Army premises for his Sunday lunch.

He spotted a £500 laptop computer and stuffed it under his jacket before running away.

Jonathan Longman, prosecuting, said: "He knew his victim because he regularly goes to the Salvation Army, where they serve a free meal for the homeless.

"He stole the computer after he had been served his dinner, and people who stayed back to help clean up saw him leaving with something under his top."

Henry admitted theft and said he stole the laptop because he wanted to do a computer course.

Georgie Prasad, mitigating, said: "He is extremely ashamed of his behaviour and that he is back before the court so soon."

Miss Prasad said Henry had was due to start a new job as a painter and decorater at Colchester Garrison yesterday, and had recently got access to his children.

Magistrates activated the suspended prison sentence and Henry will serve a total of three months.