A homeless mental patient has been jailed for breaking an ASBO by going to his mother's home for tea and sympathy.
Robert Male was banned from returning to his family home in Seaton, Devon, by an anti social behaviour order after neighbours complained about years of harassment.
His parents also suffered abuse from the 30-year-old, who suffers from mental problems which have been aggravated by drink and drug abuse.
Male returned to Seaton after being released from in patient treatment at a mental hospital where he had been sectioned earlier this year.
He was homeless and living in a car near his parents' home in Powell Close but was banned from going into the street or the neighbouring Harepath Road by the two year ASBO, made by magistrates in Exeter last November.
He returned to his childhood home where his mother knew he should not be but could not bring herself to turn him away and gave him hot drinks and cigarettes.
Male, whose last address was Smythen Street, Exeter, admitted two breaches of the ASBO and was jailed for three months by Recorder Mr Robin Belben at Exeter Crown Court.
He told him:"This is a desperately sad situation for you and for your parents, particularly your poor mother who no doubt feels loyalty to you but also to her husband, who has difficulties of his own.
"These orders were put in place to stop you going to their home whenever you felt like it and making a nuisance of yourself and causing alarm and distress to them and their neighbours.
"I have seen medical reports which say that to live a normal life you will need careful support and you do not have a home of your own.
"You do not appear to commit any other offences other than going back to your parents' home in breach of the ASBO.
"This is an exceptionally lenient sentence but you must keep away from your parents even though the temptation may be extraordinary when you want a cup of coffee or a cigarette."
Mr Ian Graham, prosecuting, said Male went to the house twice in the space of two days in September when he was living in a car in Seaton. There had also been complaints of him using a nearby park as a toilet.
He said Male's mother has now agreed to a request from the police not to provide hot drinks or other support which may encourage him to go home.
Mr Nick Woodley, defending, said Male hopes to return to a homeless hostel on his release but will need help with his mental issues.
He said:"His mother feels conflicted because the local authority have told her that if she helps her son, her own tenancy and accommodation may be put in jeopardy and she has a sick husband to look after.
"Police have given her papers to sign saying she will not look after the defendant but she feels guilty about that."
