A MAN who repeatedly stole cash from mosques and religious centres in order to feed his drug habit has been jailed for 240 days.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Ali continued to target religious buildings despite sentence being deferred on two similar offences back in May.

And by the time the prison sentence was imposed he had admitted 15 mosque burglaries.

Ali, 29, of Palmer Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to four charges and asked for another nine to be taken into consideration.

Phillip Riley, prosecuting, said that Ali either forced entry to the building or hid himself inside during prayer.

He had admitted to police that on every occasion he was after cash to feed his drug habit.

Stephen Parker, defending, said Ali had been actively seeking help with his heroin habit which he was anxious to put behind him.