HEROIN addict Stuart McDonald stole £13,000 worth of Rolex watches from Deacons in Old Town after carrying out a vicious attack on his own mother, a court heard.

McDonald, 21, of Frobisher Drive, pleaded guilty to the burglary at the Wood Street jewellers last month.

He also admitted criminal damage, two thefts and common assault in April.

Jailing him for a total of two-and-a-half years, Judge Charles Wade told him: "It appears to have been an opportunist theft and an appalling piece of violence . . . together or alone, custody is justified."

Prosecuting, Jim Bennett told the court that Deacon's director Ray Bilton chased and wrestled McDonald to the ground when he spotted him appear from the back of the shop.

He added that in April, McDon-ald, who has had a drugs habit since the age of 15, lashed out at his mother Linda Hill as he urged her to bring him money.

Mr Bennett told the court: "When she said she had no money he got annoyed and threw a lighter at her. He then attacked a gas fire attached to the wall, causing £750 damage."

Mr Bennett added that after chasing his mother into the street, and around a phone box as she attempted to call 999, McDonald kicked her in the head, cutting her eyebrow.

McDonald also pleaded guilty to a theft of a £159 Playstation from his mother's home, as well as the theft of two DVD players worth £119 from Somerfield in Hyde Road.

Defending David Martin said that his client had apologised and his family were prepared to welcome him back and give him another chance.

"He needs to take that opportunity with both hands," Mr Martin said.

"He has never worked in his life, he has no qualifications and it is up to him."

Mr Martin added that it would be his client's first prison sentence and he realised that prison was where he deserved to go.

After the hearing McDonald's mother, Linda Hill , 41, said "The sentence is a bit of a shock.

"When he attacked me it was the drugs that overtook him. His family will welcome him back but he needs to sort out his drugs problem."

Deacons managing director, Richard Deacon, who is chairman of the Old Town Business and Professional Association, said: "Quite honestly, as far as we are concerned, the matter is now closed. Fortunately the person was caught quickly and did not get away with it."