A “DESPERATE and despicable” drug addict who stole money donated to a children’s hospice has been sent to jail.

Ryan Tchupan carried out a series of “impulsive” thefts as he battled a drug addiction, targetting cars and shops across Southampton.

It led to Tchupan stealing a charity box belonging to Naomi House Children’s Hospice from Co-op, in Harbour Parade, Southampton.

A spokesperson for the charity said it hoped this case would “serve as a lesson” for those looking to steal donation boxes.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to eight offences at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, which included two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, two counts of fraud by using someone else’s bank accounts and theft.

The court heard that Tchupan’s offending began in November 2016, when he broke into a car and stole bank cards. He used the cards to spend £260 on products from KFC, Subway and Tesco.

On February 16 he then targeted Co-op.

Ryan Seneviratne, prosecuting, told the court: “Tchupan went into the shop asking if a debit card had been handed in.

“While they were looking for it, he took a pair of scissors out of his jacket and used them to cut the narrow ties to the tin...then he left with it under his arm.”

He added: “There was no record of how much money was in the tin.”

The court heard that Tchupan, of Harbourne Gardens, West End, had been addicted to drugs at the time of the offences.

Jamie Gammon, mitigating, said his client was “desperate”.

Mr Gammon said: “The reality is this is a despicable offence. It shows the level he had stooped to.

“I don’t think anyone in their right mind would ever think this was OK. He is not proud of any of the offences.”

He added: “He could not even remember some of them. But he is somebody who is clean of drugs and 100 per cent better for being in custody.”

Magistrates sentenced Tchupan to 20 weeks in prison.

Following, Tchupan’s sentence, a spokesman for Naomi House & Jacksplace said: “Collection pots continue to make a significant contribution to our income, and our ability to provide vital care and support to children, young people and families.

“We are pleased that this theft has been treated so seriously and hope it may serve as a lesson for others who choose to steal generous donations made by members of the public.”