Matthew SparkesA homeless man's plan to put a roof over his head by being sent to jail failed as magistrates handed down a community work order.Matthew Sparkes

A homeless man's plan to put a roof over his head by being sent to jail failed as magistrates handed down a community work order.

John Golden, 48, of no fixed abode, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court yesterday and told how he had stolen two cans of beer in order to be arrested and sent to jail.

"I don't like nicking things," he said. "I've pulled this little stunt to get back in prison."

But despite pleading guilty and announcing that he wanted a custodial sentence, Golden was handed an order to complete 60 hours of unpaid community work and told to pay compensation of �1.20.

Mr Golden also appeared before Norwich Magistrates' Court in December after exposing himself outside the Travelodge on St Vedast Street in Norwich, which he also claimed was a ploy to get jailed.

Golden was given a 28-day custodial sentence which was reduced to 21 days on account of a guilty plea, but was released immediately as he had already served 22 days.