A homeless man smashed up a Starbucks window with a street sign so he could 'go back to jail' for shelter, a court heard.
John Robert Muir, of no fixed abode, left staff 'frightened' when he caused damage to the Peter Street café on Saturday.
The 40-year-old was sentenced to eight weeks in prison at Manchester Magistrates' Court today (Monday).
He pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a property.
Prosecuting, Robin Lynch, said: "He smashed a Starbucks window with a street sign.
"Staff were inside and frightened by what happened. When arrested he stated 'I did it because I wanted to go back to jail'.
"The damage is estimated to be at £2,000."
Defending, Liz Siddall, said: "He entered a guilty plea. This individual, as he stated at the time, did it so he could return to prison.
"He is homeless as he has been in and out of custody. He was released on Friday.
"He has nowhere to go. He is trying to find accommodation. There is none available until next year.
"If court released him he would be back on the streets. He wishes to return to custody for shelter."
Addressing Muir, district judge Jack McGarva said: "You have pleaded guilty, I will give you full credit for that.
"I can have a lot of sympathy for you not having a home. But that doesn't justify smashing a window causing £2,000 worth of damage."
As he said this, Muir replied: "I don't care", from the dock.
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