A HEROIN addict stole from his mother and father in a bid to feed his habit, Burnley Magistrates heard.

The court was told David Paul Baker, 27, had been able to fund his habit from his job but he had been sacked after somebody phoned his bosses and told them he had a drug problem.

Baker, of Meredith Street, Nelson, who was also said to be the lookout for a mill raid, was spared jail and was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order by the bench.

He admitted stealing from shop premises, burglary and asked for five offences to be considered.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court tools worth more than £600 were taken from Marsden Mill, Brunswick Street, Nelson.

Miss Jabbari said the defendant stole a fishing reel from his father and a printer belonging to his mother and sold them for cash to buy heroin.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said Baker had a drugs problem for four years but had not come to the attention of the courts for dishonesty until April of this year.

He had been able to fund his addiction from his employment but had been sacked when his bosses found out about his habit.

Mr Ireland told the court since his last court appearance, the defendant had managed to sort out his relationship with his parents. His father had allowed him back home to live with him.

Baker had also found work as a £30 a day plasterer so his financial circumstances were improving as well.