A DRUG addict who struck twice -- once at his next door neighbours -- has escaped a jail term.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Marc Bowers, 28, whose hauls included children's toys, had become addicted to heroin while in prison and a judge said it was in the best interests of the wider community that he kick the habit.

Recorder David Eccles said the offences were mean and upsetting and he had at first thought of sending the defendant to jail. In 99 cases out of 100 raiders were handed a substantial term of custody.

He told Bowers the picture for him now seemed "somewhat more rosy," and went on: "If you break your habit there does seem some hope you can lead a better life."

Bowers, of Manchester Road, Haslingden, had admitted two counts of burglary and one of possessing heroin. He had been committed for sentence for one of the charges by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates and was given a 12 month drug testing and treatment order.

Arthur Stuttard, prosecuting, said the defendant's next door neighbour spent the night away from home and when she returned, found her property had been broken into and a large amount of property stolen.

Later that day, she noticed Bowers passing some carrier bags to a friend, believed some of the property was hers and told police. Goods to the tune of about £1,000 were missing.

Bowers also raided the house of a woman who had gone into a home for the elderly. He took furniture and sold some of it to a second hand shop. Some had been recovered. When the defendant was arrested, he was found in possession of a wrap of heroin.

Michael Lavery, defending, said Bowers could not recall the burglary at his neighbour's because of the chaotic lifestyle he had been leading at the time.

He had been taking heroin and living without food, gas or electricity. Bowers' addiction had taken over everything he did.