A DRUG addict stole prized Second World War memorabilia from his own mother, slapped her and withdrew cash with her card.

Ben John Nicholson, 23, who is staying with a friend in Shakespeare Road, Neston, had originally denied taking the items, stealing his mum’s bank card and withdrawing cash eight times and slapping her in the face.

But on Thursday, January 13 – the day his trial was to begin at Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston Magistrates Court – he pleaded guilty to theft, eight counts of fraud and assault.

Nicholson had been living with his mother, Sally Nicholson, at her then home at Eldon Terrace, Neston, during July and August 2010.

Prosecutor Tony Smith said: “She noticed a cushion in which she kept sentimental memorabilia was found on the floor and the contents were gone.”

The items, taken on August 6, were traced by chance when a man in a pub mentioned he knew the person who had bought them.

Nicholson slapped his mum the day after he took the items, August 7.

Mr Smith said: “The allegation of common assault in the early hours of August 7 when the mother took him to task over the Second World War memorabilia. He lost his temper and slapped his mother to the right cheek, causing pain.

“This assault was part-witnessed by a next-door neighbour who saw Mrs Nicholson cowering in the kitchen. She went and called the police and that’s how matters came to light.”

Nicholson, who suffers from ADHD, first took his mother’s bank card on July 31, using the same PIN number he knew she used for her mobile phone.

He repeated the fraud on August 1, twice on August 2, once on August 3 and three times on August 4. In total £170 was withdrawn.

Sarah Morgan, defending, said Nicholson has a drugs problem.

She said: “He is a broken man. He is homeless, has no source of income and is unable to sort his life out.

“He has expressed motivation to sort his life out brought on by the fact that his mother is prepared to come to court to give evidence against him.”

Nicholson will return for sentencing on February 7.

He was bailed on the condition he resides at his friend’s house in Shakespeare Road, does not contact his mother and does not enter her road, Town Lane, Little Neston.