A MASKED raider who went into a man's flat in the early hours armed with a metal bar, has been jailed for four years.

Burnley Crown Court heard how alcoholic Eddie Ward had taken valium, Temazepam, beta blockers, painkillers, anti-depressants and about 10 large bottles of Newcastle Brown.

Ward was one of two men who appeared at the foot of the victim's bed at his home in Bowland House, Blackburn, asking for a person named Trevor. They left after taking cash.

Judge Raymond Bennett said the victim must have been petrified and the two men had effectively robbed him in his home as he watched.

Ward, of Aviemore Close, Blackburn, had earlier admitted aggravated burglary, last June.

Patrick Williamson, prosecuting, said victim Gordon Greer told Ward and his accomplice there was nobody called Trevor connected with his flat.

He was asked: "Where's the brown?" and "Where's the phet ?" -- referring to drugs -and said Trevor owed them £1,000.

Ward was arrested in July, admitted wearing a balaclava and having a metal bar but said he had been suffering from the effects of prescription drugs and too much drink.

Ken Hind, defending, said Ward cut a very sad and pathetic figure and came from a chaotic home background.

He had been in care, been abused, sniffed glue from a very early age and had an addictive personality.