Daniel Baker, of Tintern Close, appeared at Eastbourne Magistrates Court and admitted stealing a charity box from a coffee shop on June 8, causing harassment, alarm or distress on June 15 and then resisting a police officer and damaging a police car on the same day.
The offences were committed during the period of a suspended prison sentence, imposed by the crown court.
Madeleine Priestley, defending, told the court Baker had stolen the charity box from a local coffee shop because he had no money and nowhere to live.
"It was an opportunity theft and when he saw the police circling the area he put the charity box down," said Miss Priestley.
The court heard, on June 15, Baker attempted to get out of the police car after being arrested for causing harassment, alarm or distress.
He damaged the door handle of the vehicle and then landed on his head and was taken to Eastbourne DGH.
Miss Priestley explained the defendant was upset following an argument at his brother's house and said, "That goes some way to why he behaved the way he did."
Prosecutor Helen Constantinou objected to bail but Miss Priestley told deputy district judge Adrian Turner that 'stringent bail conditions' would address any concerns the court may have.
Judge Turner remanded Baker in custody and said, "If a crown court suspended sentence won't deter you then I don't know what will."
The case was adjourned and the defendant will appear at Hastings Magistrates Court today (August 6), via video link.