A DISTRICT Judge gave a habitual offender "a chance" despite him having what she described as one of the worst records she had seen in her 25 year involvement with criminal law.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Christopher Costello had 200 convictions for 416 offences.

The court was told the latest offence of criminal damage had been committed the same day Costello had been released from his latest prison sentence.

Costello, 59, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to damaging a glass door panel belonging to Admiral Casino, Colne. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with an alcohol treatment requirement. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said that having come out of prison Costello had drunk an enormous amount of alcohol very quickly and committed the offence.

"My initial view is that there is no point sending him back to prison because it doesn't help.

David Lawson, defending, conceded his client had a horrendous record.

"It is the same problem again," said Mr Lawson. "On his release he turns to alcohol and ends up being arrested. He couldn't even remember if he had attended at the probation service office after his release. It seems he did but by that time he was already drunk. His problems are homelessness and alcohol and he clearly needs help.

"He asks me to assure you he will comply with the probation service if you give him the opportunity," said Mr Lawson.

District Judge Preston said she was going to give Costello a chance.

"Your record is one of the worst I have seen and I have been practising in criminal law for 25 years," she said. "You come out of prison and you offend straight away and alcohol seems to be your problem. I'm going to give you a chance today. If you breach the order you will simply be going back to prison.

"You are 59 years of age and I suppose you have to decide if you want to continue like this."