The son of a prominent politician has been jailed for a string of offences.

Rupert Small, whose mother is South East MEP Janice Atkinson, admitted shoplifting and going equipped for theft following an incident last month.

The unemployed heroin addict was also sentenced for a separate theft, criminal damage and skipping a train fare.

Maidstone Magistrates' Court heard today (Monday) how Small takes heroin and crack cocaine and despite being on housing benefits pays between £100 and £200 a day on the drugs.

Natalie Brown, prosecuting, told magistrates Small, of Boxley Road, Maidstone, stole two tracksuits worth £62 from Sports Direct in the town.

He was chased from the store and was found to have pliers on him.

Less than a week later the 24-year-old stole £86 of meat from Marks & Spencer in Week Street and scrawled his name into a police cell door with a syringe.

Patrick Bligh, defending, said Small had started using drugs after leaving home following his parents' divorce.

Mr Bligh added his housing situation was not stable and Ms Atkinson, who sat at the back of court, had offered him support.

Former Ukip member Ms Atkinson hit the headlines last year after referring to a Thai woman as a "ting tong from somewhere."

She found herself in hot water again in March when she was expelled from Ukip over expenses allegations and in June she joined forces with the president of the French National Front to set up an anti-EU group called Europe of Nations of Freedom.

It was Small's ninth conviction and magistrates activated a 28-day suspended prison sentence, he will serve a further 40 days for the offences.

He must also pay an £80 victim surcharge, 180 criminal courts charge and £85 costs.

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