A DRUG addict who repeatedly got behind the wheel while banned has been jailed for four months.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Stephen Robinson, 32, stole a car from Waterfoot but left blood on the dashboard breaking in.

He later told police he and an accomplice had taken the vehicle while drunk and hot-wired it before it broke down.

On another occasion, the defendant overtook on double white lines on a bend in The Glen, Waterfoot, and according to police following him could not have seen any oncoming traffic.

Robinson, who was earlier banned for two years and jailed for drink driving, clocked up his fifth and sixth conviction for banned driving.

He was told by the bench he had completely ignored court orders. Robinson was also disqualified for two years.

Robinson, of Bacup Road, Waterfoot, admitted taking a vehicle without authority, two charges of banned driving, two of no insurance and driving without due care and attention.

Phillip Potter, prosecuting, told the court blood was recovered from the dashboard of the stolen £240 car.

A sample was sent for analysis and was identified as having come from the defendant. Police tried unsuccessfully to trace him and he was circulated as wanted on the national computer.

Later, police followed the defendant on Newchurch Road, Waterfoot. He turned into a car park at the back of the Royal Hotel, Waterfoot, got out and ran off. Robinson was detained and arrested.

The defendant had previous convictions for driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said when Robinson was free of heroin for five years he did not offend, had a stable relationshup, was in gainful employment and life looked rosy. He then made the mistake of returning to the Rossendale Valley and took up with his old associates.