A Dudley man who stole to fund his drugs habit has been jailed for 20 weeks.

Magistrates said Ross Hodgkinson had committed offences while on licence, a community based sentence had failed to deter him, and he had not complied with a community based sentence.

He has a record of previous convictions and magistrates thought he would continue to offend to pay for drugs.

Hodgkinson, aged 42, of Bramble Green, admitted stealing food valued at £80.73 from Marks & Spencers.

He was ordered to pay a total of £267.40 in compensation and costs.

Other recent cases at Dudley Magistrates court included:

A Brierley Hill man who assaulted a policeman has been fined and put on a supervision order.

Victor Vasalanov, aged 37, of Hill Street, admitted assaulting PC Richard Perrins in Brierley Hill and he was ordered to carry out 70 hours unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay a total of £330 in costs.

A Rowley Regis man who admitted stealing from the Co-op has been fined £200 and committed for sentence at crown court on assault and obstructing police charges.

Timothy Peter Williams, aged 36, of Harrold Avenue, pleaded guilty to two theft charges in Halesowen.

He was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman who was covered by a harassment protection order and obstructing a policewoman.