A PROLIFIC criminal with more than 100 convictions under his belt has been given a chance to see if he can beat his drug addiction and go straight.

Burnley Crown Court heard Michael Dwyer, 21, who started offending at the age of 11, had had every sentence going but had still gone back to his old ways.

Dwyer was given a 12-months drug treatment and testing order by a judge.

The defendant, who flouted his last court order within 24 hours, was told by Judge Beverley Lunt he would be back behind bars for longer and longer terms if he carried on offending.

Dwyer, formerly of Ribbleton View, Keighley, admitted taking a conveyance without authority and handling stolen goods.

He asked for two offences to be considered and was ordered to undergo treatment and counselling as part of the DTTO.

Tim Ashmole, prosecuting, told the court a victim "rather unwisely" left his van, parked outside North Valley Hotel, Colne, unlocked and with the keys behind the sun visor. The defendant drove it at some stage.

A burglary took place at Blockbusters in Colne and PlayStation and games were taken. Property was later recovered from a house.

Dwyer was arrested and interviewed by police. He denied knowledge of the vehicle and committing any offence. The defendant had 109 previous convictions.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Dwyer had had every possible sentence, his record was appalling and was prolific for a man of the defendant's age.