A 31-YEAR-OLD man found love and the resolve to beat his heroin habit during an extended spell in hospital.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Paul Doyle nearly died after contracting septicaemia in his leg.

And as he was recovering on crutches he fell, suffering a double fracture of the same leg, which put him back in hospital.

Defence solicitor Phillip Turner told the court that a story which could have had a tragic beginning appeared to have a happy ending.

"When he was first admitted to hospital he nearly lost not only a leg but his life," said Mr Turner.

"While he was recovering from that, he fell while using his crutches and suffered the double fracture of his leg which put him back in hospital.

"While in hospital he met a member of staff and they have formed a relationship."

Mr Turner said that on release Doyle had been allowed to return to his mother,s address, something she would not allow if he was still on drugs.

"He now has a home, a partner and he is free of drugs," said Mr Turner.

"He has taken several voluntary drugs tests to satisfy his mum and his girlfriend that he is drug free. What happens from now on is entirely up to him."

Doyle, of Valley Gardens, Hapton, pleaded guilty to stealing 10 computer games worth £320 from HMV shop in Blackburn in January.

The court heard the offence was committed just two days after Doyle had been made subject to a conditional discharge by Burnley magistrates for two offences of shoplifting.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £75 costs.