TWO health centre raiders were today behind bars - and a judge told them they were wasting their lives in jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard how it was feared Darren Melody, 21, and Andrew Woodrup, 22, had targeted Waterfoot Health Centre to clean it out of drugs but the duo struck for cash to fund their cravings for heroin.

Judge Raymond Bennett said neither defendant had slowed down in their offending and said all that was asked of the duo was that they stop.

Melody, of Inkerman Street, and Woodrup, of Sandfield Road, both Bacup, admitted burglary.

Melody was sent to prison for 12 months, to be served after the unexpired portion of his previous sentence. Woodrup, who had also pleaded guilty to theft of a purse and failing to surrender, received 16 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how in the early hours the defendants broke into the health centre using a screwdriver.

Cash to the value of £4 was taken from a charity tin and they also took a till tray which had a £40 float.

Jeremy Grout-Smith, defending both, said Melody recognised the inevitable outcome of the proceedings after breaching his licence. While on remand in custody, he had had his first taste of an adult jail and that had had an effect on him.

Woodrup had broken his habit but resorted to it again and that had led him back into offending.