A SON twice stole from his family to fund his gambling and drink addictions, York magistrates heard.

Stephen George Schofield, 22, took money his mother Angela Schofield was saving to take her grandchildren to Disneyland, said Steven Ovenden, prosecuting.

The court heard he has since had to leave the family home for a hostel for the homeless and that last December he was ordered to serve 18 months' community rehabilitation and 40 hours' community punishment for stealing £1,200 from his family.

"Despicable is a word that comes to our minds," said senior magistrate Graeme Robertson of the latest crime. He also described Schofield's actions as "mean" and a breach of trust.

The bench deferred sentence until September on condition that he started repaying the money he owes the court - including £1,200 compensation to his mother for the earlier theft - continues going to an alcohol advisory service and attends all probation service appointments.

Schofield, of the Peaseholme Centre, Stonebow, York, pleaded guilty to theft.

His solicitor Mark Thompson said Schofield was addicted to using gambling machines and alcohol, had suffered severe bullying at school and had low self-esteem.

Mr Thompson said Mrs Schofield had reported the £320 theft to police in the hope of getting help for her son. She had attended court to persuade the bench not to jail Schofield.

Mr Ovenden said Mrs Schofield had collected £640 by putting £2 coins in a jar. On April 15, she had gone to work, locking the house behind her. When she returned shortly before 2pm, she noticed that £320 was missing.

Last autumn, Schofield had appeared in court for taking money by using a friend's bank card without permission. A few weeks later, he had stolen the £1,200.

Updated: 10:29 Thursday, May 22, 2003