A DRUG addict who went on a £1,200 trail of deception with credit cards obtained in someone else's name has walked free from court.

Burnley Magistrates heard how John Alexander McClarnon, 48, applied for the cards in the name of a family friend, but his solicitor said he claimed it was coincidence.

McClarnon pre-planned his deception and later told police he was on benefits and went on the spending spree to get cigarettes, clothes and food.

The defendant was told by the bench it had been "borderline," as to whether he had been jailed or not.

They added he appeared to have been making efforts to reduce his drug problem.

McClarnon, of Brennand Street, Burnley, admitted 10 charges of obtaining property by deception, last July and August. He was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order, to include the Addressing Substance Related Offending programme. He was not ordered to pay compensation or costs as the justices said they wanted him to have a clean sheet as soon as possible.

Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting, told the court the defendant fully admitted the offences to police.

He said he did not think he would be able to get a credit card in his own name. McClarnon claimed he had not intended to steal, but to pay back in monthly instalments.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said McClarnon had become addicted to heroin while on remand in prison.