A BRIDGWATER man with the mental age of a seven-year-old has been left homeless after he repeatedly stole from his own mother.

Sheldon Turner, 22, who was born with bruising on the brain, now sleeps in a tent in Taunton Road and says he has no choice but to steal to survive.

His mum Susan, who has two daughters at home, says she worries for him but cannot take him back.

And Sheldon says he has tried to get help but the council has told him he is not a housing priority.

He told the Mercury: “I struggle to eat and have stolen before. My mum won’t have me back because I used to steal from her.

“The police can arrest me, but how do you expect me to live? I have the choice to either die or survive.”

Sheldon, whose conditions include autism, Tourette’s and ADHD, was put into care as a child.

Ms Turner said he had become violent and she had no choice. He is also a self-harmer with suicidal tendencies.

Ms Turner said: “A mother’s love doesn’t alter no matter what but when he was at home I was on edge all the time.”

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said Mr Turner was registered with the council and was previously a tenant, but vacated after he was convicted for criminal damage and threatening behaviour.

But the spokesman said the council would reassess his housing situation in light of his medical conditions.