A THIEF with 69 previous convictions behind him, who has flouted court orders and exhausted the patience of the probation services, is behind bars for eight months.

Burnley Magistrates heard how former drug addict Dean Kirk Irving, 28, handled the proceeds of a house raid, including a computer, cheque book and cards.

He had been made subject of a community rehabilitation order with the Dordrecht Initiative, but his response to the opportunities to turn his life around had been "abysmal," and was not likely to get any better.

Irving was told by the bench he had refused to comply with any previous court orders, was a persistent offender and committed crime while on bail.

His record included convictions for theft, burglary, handling stolen goods, assault and drugs supplying.

The defendant, of Scotts Terrace, Burnley, had admitted stealing from shop premises, two counts of handling stolen goods and two of failing to comply with a community rehabilitation order.

The court heard that Irving had told police that an associate had come to his home and given him stolen property from the burgled house. But he had refused to name the man when requested so to do.

It was not likely he would respond to the requirements of the community rehabilitation order and the probation service had no alternative but to revoke the order and ask he be resentenced.

Mark Williams, defending, said the Dordrecht scheme had been too much for Irving. He could not manage to keep the appointments with the drug habit he had at the time.

He was now buying methadone rather than heroin with a view to stabilising himself and had been successful to degree.

Mr Willams, who urged the court to pass a curfew order, said curfews could be a successful punishment for drug addicts.

They had to stay indoors but did not have to do anything such as get up at a certain time and keep appointments.

The solicitor said the defendant, who should be given full credit for his guilty pleas, had come to terms with his drug situation and had stayed out of trouble for three months.

He lived with his partner and her children and the relationship appeared to be stable, even though both had been troubled with drugs.