A DRUG addict who conned and stole from his elderly next door neighbour as he offered him shelter has walked free from court.

Damian Taylor, 23, tricked his way into Les Pearson's home in the early hours begging for help and claiming he was about to be attacked.

He then emptied the pensioner's wallet of £40 as the 75-year-old made him a cup of tea, Burnley magistrates heard.

Taylor, of Alma Street, Bacup, also assaulted a man and a woman in the street and stole from them, and he also got Mr Pearson to hand over his change because he feared the defendant would hit him.

He originally denied theft from the pensioner and only owned up as Mr Pearson was about to give evidence. He also admit-ted another assault and vehicle interference.

The defendant, who has been in custody about a month, was given 90 days in jail, suspended for 12 months, with super-vision, six months drug rehabilitation and the addressing substance rel-ated offending prog-ramme.

He must also pay £190 compensation, with £100 costs.

Wendy Chappell, prose-cuting, said at 6am on May 8 Mr Pearson heard shouting and banging on the door and Taylor shouting: "Help me, help me." The victim let Taylor in and went to make him a cup of tea.

Mrs Chappell said when the victim returned, he did not accuse the defendant of stealing and gave him 90p in change.

The prosecutor said in April Philip Howe and some friends were in Bacup when the defen-dant approached, shouted and swore and punched Mr Howe on the nose.

David Leach, defending, said said Taylor pleaded guilty to the theft because he did not want to put Mr Pearson through any more trauma.

He had not threatened the pensioner with violence.