Two prolific criminals in the grips of drug addiction who were given the keys to stolen vehicle have been jailed.

Preston Crown Court heard how a man named Martin Ridings had been driving his Ford Fiesta in Blackburn on August 26 when he became lost and ended up in Oban Drive.

Prosecuting, David Clarke said Mr Ridings pulled over in order to reverse and head back out the way he came, but before he could make the manoeuvre his passenger door was opened, and he was told by a man that his car was being taken.

Mr Clarke told the court: “A second man reached in and took the keys and ran off.

“Mr Ridings reported matters to the police and said he would be able to identify the people involved.

“The defendants, Sarfraz Khan and Simon Lang were arrested but Mr Ridings could not pick them out in a police ID parade.

“So, whoever did take the car and the keys, passed them on to others very quickly, who were these two defendants.

“Khan was caught driving the vehicle but was disqualified from driving at the time.

“Interviews took place and Lang answered no comment, but Khan gave officers some strange comments about drug dealers being good but then answered no comment.”

Lang, 37, of HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, has 22 convictions for 36 offences and pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

Khan, 44, of Shadsworth House, Dunoon Drive, Blackburn, has 33 convictions for 78 offences and pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Judge Simon Medland KC said: “The property was robbed but not by you and the CPS offered no evidence for this.

“But, the car was red hot and went on to you.

“You both have appalling criminal records and it doesn’t seem to me that the help you have had so far has had any effect.

“You have been, I dare say, in front of every judge in Lancashire in your lives.

“Firstly, you are the only people in the world who can effectively stop yourselves from taking drugs.

“Secondly, I wish you both well. I think you both wished your lives were better and you weren’t in a revolving door of custody but it’s ultimately up to you.”

Both Lang and Khan were jailed for 16 months, with Khan being disqualified from driving for a further 20 months.