A DRUG addict who was banned from a Suffolk supermarket does not have the strength to go into rehabilitation, a court has heard. Wayne Pearl, of Langer Road, Felixstowe, appeared before Ipswich magistrates to be sentenced for two common assaults and one offence of causing criminal damage to a police car.

A DRUG addict who was banned from a Suffolk supermarket does not have the strength to go into rehabilitation, a court has heard.

Wayne Pearl, of Langer Road, Felixstowe, appeared before Ipswich magistrates to be sentenced for two common assaults and one offence of causing criminal damage to a police car.

The court heard Pearl, who pleaded guilty to the offences, had attacked two members of staff at Safeway supermarket in the Grange Farm area of Felixstowe.

Mitigating for Pearl, Lucy Osborn said: "Staff said he was a thief and a junkie and wasn't to come into the store. He did not know he had been banned and, somewhat understandably, he took offence."

The court heard that the 36-year-old heroin addict was taking methadone, seeing his doctor and a counsellor regularly and was living a more stable lifestyle.

Miss Osborn said: "He feels he is in a positive situation at the moment and a custodial sentence would not assist the problems he has.

"Mr Pearl has been frank and honest. He has not got the strength to complete residential rehabilitation or a drugs treatment and testing order."

Prosecuting solicitor Adele Cook said Pearl became threatening when he was challenged by supermarket staff Raymond Lodge and Steve Pippard .

Mrs Cook said that Pearl punched Mr Lodge on the cheek with his fist which resulted in Mr Pippard becoming involved who managed to get Pearl on to the ground.

She said: "Mr Pearl then appeared to calm down.

"They released him. He got up and hit Mr Pippard and tried to hit him repeatedly.

"Officers arrived and arrested Mr Pearl. He kicked out at a police vehicle nearside passenger door causing a slight mark."

The court heard that Mr Pippard was punched in the jaw.

Miss Osborn told the court that her client agreed his behaviour was unacceptable.

She said: "He was collecting a prescription a few items he needed. He had £40 on him and there is no suggestion he was going to steal the items.

"He momentarily lost his temper as a result of being insulted. The incident was very early in the morning and he was not under the influence of drink or drugs. He knows he has to address his temper."

The court heard on Monday that Pearl had no history of violence and the injuries to either man had not been severe.

Magistrates made Pearl the subject of a community rehabilitation order for 12 months, to run concurrently with one already in place.

Pearl was also ordered to pay £40 compensation to each victim.

Mr Clements added that he would not pay neither compensation for the damage to the police car nor costs.