HABITUAL offender Christopher Earle, whose latest offences included punching a civil servant who refused him money, was jailed yesterday.

Earle, 26, Nidd Vale Terrace, Harrogate, who admitted five theft offences, assault on a Department of Social Security officer, possession of cannabis, motoring offences, breach of two probation orders and twice failing to answer bail, was jailed for two months by Harrogate magistrates.

Court chairman Vivien Crabb, who also banned him from driving for six months, told him: "You are a habitual offender who has failed to comply with community penalties. The assault was against a public servant which we take seriously."

Geoffrey Rogers, representing Earle, said he suffered from anxiety and depression. He had committed shoplifting offences to raise money to feed a heroin habit he was trying to control.

Earle had struck out against the social security centre officer when he was upset after being refused a crisis loan, said Mr Rogers.