A MAN who tackled two thieves breaking into his car was left with his arm broken in two places, a court was told yesterday.

The attack left Maxwell Sneddon in hospital for several days and with two metal plates in his left arm.

His mother had to go into a nursing home because he was unable to look after her, and he lost his flat because his benefit money as her carer was stopped, said Shaun Dryden, prosecuting.

A medical report said that his arm was broken when he fell in Earl Street, Hartlepool, grappling with one of the thieves.

The thief, Paul Foster, 18, who had convictions for taking cars going back four years, expressed remorse for what happened, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Foster of Lizard Walk, Hartlepool, was sent to a young offender's institution for 18 months after he admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on January 11.