AN addict has no memory of a drug-induced crime spree, a court heard.

Julie Jones was under the influence of the class C drug diazepam when she carried out two shoplifting offences and a theft from a parked car.

But Durham Crown Court heard it culminated in her attacking an epileptic man in his own home in the early hours of July 30.

The victim and his partner were awoken by banging at the door of their Easington Colliery home, at 5.10am.

On opening the door he was confronted by Jones who demanded the return of a laptop computer he was repairing with a view to buying.

Jonathan Harley, prosecuting, said despite being told it had been returned, the “agitated” Jones punched him three times, took £15 from his pocket and left telling him he still owed her £70.

Within minutes, the victim suffered a seizure.

Jones, 33, of West Avenue, Easington Colliery, admitted the three thefts, plus affray.

Daniel Penman, mitigating, said she suffered a drug-induced coma, affecting her memory, but on her release from prison she aims to tackle her substance misuse.

Jailing her for 17 months, Judge Simon Hickey told Jones: “You’re a drug addict and you were so drugged up you didn’t know what you were doing that day.”

He imposed a seven-year restraining order preventing Jones contacting the couple at the house she entered.