A DRUG addict set out to conquer his habit after he was told he may have to have his leg amputated, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how thief Michael Patrick Quigley, 23, at one time on 10 bags of heroin a day as well as taking crack cocaine, had been frightened after two spells in hospital.

He was now on methadone and since February had not had to offend to feed a drug habit.

Quigley, of Athol Street South, Burnley, admitted damage, theft, driving while disqualified, no insurance, no test certificate and failing to surrender. He asked for one offence to be considered.

He was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order, to include the Addressing Substance Related Offending programme and a three months curfew order, seven days a week, between 9pm and 7am.

He was also ordered to pay £180 compensation.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Quigley had been asked by his friend to drive the car for a small amount of money. He had also stolen to get cash.

All the offences went back to February and the defendant had not offended since. He had an horrendous record and all his offending had been motivated by his addiction, the court was told.