A man living at a hostel for vulnerable young adults became drunk and abusive after he lost both his job and his lodging, magistrates were told.

Joel Jarman, 23, who lives at the Amber Foundation's hostel at Tottenham House in Savernake Forest, admitted using threatening and abusive words or behaviour in Marlborough High Street.

Police officers approached Jarman who appeared intoxicated and swore at a female police officer, Becky Abbott, prosecuting, told Devizes magistrates.

Helene Webb, a psychotherapist and counsellor, said Jarman had a problem with alcohol and had been trying to turn his life around.

But the incident in December co-incided with him losing his job at Bowyers in Trowbridge and the Amber Foundation announcing that Tottenham House would close by the end of March.

She said: "The atmosphere in the house is very sad. The residents are clearing out their rooms knowing they are clearing out their homes.

"There's nowhere for them to go although Amber is trying to place these young men and women."

The magistrates adjourned the case for social reports.

Jarman, who was in breach of a two year conditional discharge imposed last August for abusive and disorderly behaviour, will be sentenced on February 8.