A MOTHER kept her drug addict son out of trouble with the law by funding his heroin habit for nearly 10 years.

But when his mum reached the end of her tether and refused to pay for his drugs Gerard Burns "bit the hand that had fed him".

Blackburn magistrates heard that he took her credit card and obtained more than £600 in cash from cash points around Darwen.

Burns, 31, of Islington Motel, Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of a credit card and a Playstation II and seven charges of theft of cash. He was made subject to a drug treatment and testing order for 12 months.

Joanne Close, prosecuting, said Burns's mother had challenged him when she noticed the Playstation was missing and he admitted pawning it.

Five days later she was expecting a credit card statement and when she looked for her card, which was usually kept locked in a cupboard, realised it was missing.

When she reported the matter the credit card company said it had been used to make numerous withdrawals in the Darwen area.

"At that stage she reported the matter to the police and said she did not want her son in the house any more," said Miss Close.

Roger Pickles, defending, said the length of time his mother had supported Burns was very unusual.

"For nigh on 10 years this lady and his grandmother have supported him by giving him money to buy heroin," said Mr Pickles.

"His mum was desperate to keep him out of trouble and to her credit she achieved that.

"It probably cost her many thousands of pounds."

Mr Pickles said his client felt "absolutely dreadful" about what he had done.

"He knew his mum wouldn't give him any more money and he was desperate," said Mr Pickles.

"His mum reporting him to the police is probably the best thing that could have happened. Had she had the means and inclination to carry on supporting him this could have carried on indefinitely but things have now come to a head and he desperately wants help to beat his addiction.

"He loves his mum, he loves his family and it breaks his heart to realise he has caused them considerable distress over the years," added Mr Pickles.

"More than anything he wants to prove to his mum that he can change. He wants to rebuild the trust between them rather than holding his hand out for £10 or £20 to buy drugs."

Imposing the drug treatment and testing order the chairman of the magistrates said it was not an easy option. "If you don't comply you know you will almost certainly end up in custody." he added.