A BICYCLE thief got some rough justice when he was shoved off his bike onto the pavement.

Christopher Hussey appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court with a bloodied mouth and swollen eye.

The 37-year-old admitted stealing a £500 bike from outside Hove Town Hall, and a £2,075 electric bike from outside the King Alfred Leisure Centre.

He also admitted stealing 17 packets of salmon and a bottle of cola from Sainsbury’s, stealing gift sets from the Body Shop, and theft of Rayban sunglasses worth £291 from Sunglass Hut at Churchill Square.

Suzanne Soros, prosecuting, said Hussey, of New Steine Mews, Brighton, has committed 97 previous offences, including shoplifting and stealing bicycles. The offences ranged from May to September this year.

Ed Fish, defending, said Hussey is in a methadone programme to kick his drugs addiction.

Hussey appeared in the dock looking worse for wear, and was asked if he would like to seek hospital treatment for concussion during the hearing.

Magistrate David Watkins heard that Hussey has £893 in outstanding court fines and agreed not to make him pay compensation because of his “dire” finances.

He ordered the thief to complete six months of drug treatment and 15 rehabilitation sessions, and to pay £85 costs and an £85 surcharge.