A heroin addict who injured a landlady as he made his getaway following a break-in at her pub has escaped a jail term.

Benjamin Quarmby left Julie Taylor battered and bruised after he struck her with her daughter's car as he made off in it with thousands of pounds worth of cash and cigarettes.

And the incident came just a week after Quarmby, 31, of Lower Westwood, Bradford on Avon, was confronted by another woman, who smashed a glass over his head, as he burgled her house in Bradford on Avon.

After hearing how Quarmby had committed 50 offences, including five dwelling burglaries, to add to his 82 previous convictions, a judge decided against sending him to prison.

Instead Judge Charles Wade imposed an 18 month drug treatment and testing order, saying he hoped tackling the addiction would stop the offending.

Sarah Regan, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court that Quarmby broke into the Royal Oak Hotel on Corsham High Street on the night of Thursday September 25.

She said the landlady heard a noise from the bar and looked outside to see someone loading cash and cigarettes worth £3,000 into a red Peugeot 205.

"She called the police and went outside and tried to get between the car door and the building as he was leaving," Miss Regan said.

"She said she screamed out fearing she would be killed as Quarmby reversed away with the door open, wedging her against the wall."

Mrs Taylor, 38, who runs the pub with her husband Nic, was rushed to hospital where she was treated for bruising to her legs as well as pain in her hand and ribs, which it is suspected may have been broken.

The incident came exactly a week after Quarmby broke into Great Ashley House, in Bradford on Avon, the home of Barbara Rawlings, and stole £50 in cash.

Miss Regan said "He was disturbed by the occupant because he intended to take the keys to her motor vehicle.

"She challenged him and he tried to escape through the back door. She held the door and took a glass and hit him over the head with it, but he managed to get out."

She said both women told police that the incidents had left them shaken, with Ms Rawlings fearing her property would be burgled again and Mrs Taylor jumpy when she heard bed and breakfast guests at the pub get up during the night.

Quarmby was arrested a week later in Westbury after he burgled four properties in Bratton Road and The Butts, including the Horse and Groom pub.

When he was questioned by police he made a full admission, saying he had been a heroin addict for 19 years and stole to buy drugs.

Quarmby admitted five burglaries, theft, failing to surrender to custody, taking without consent, disqualified driving and having no insurance. He also asked for 40 other offences to be taken into consideration.

James Cranfield, defending, said his client needed to get clean of drugs and put his life back on track.

He said the father-of-two has a partner and adoptive parents who will stand by him as he tries to get over his problems.

Mr Cranfield said "He is someone who has a horrific drug addiction and has done for years.

He said his client knew what he had done was wrong and was remorseful for it.

Judge Wade said "I realise many members of the public will say 'What are you doing not sending this person back to prison?' but I think it is more important to rid you of this drug habit so you don't come out of prison and do it again."

As well as the 18 month drug rehabilitation and testing order the judge banned Quarmby from driving for 18 months

He was also ordered him to pay £50 compensation to each victim.