A MAN who had spent seven years working with drug addicts turned to heroin himself and then burglary, when personal problems got too much for him.

Blackburn magistrates heard that in a 'gamekeeper turned poacher' situation Mark Wickham had committed a string of burglaries in and around the Little Harwood area of Blackburn.

Wickham, 33, formerly of Harrier Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at a house in Openshaw Drive and theft of a car and property, together worth £4,908 and burglary at a house in Sunnybower Close and theft of jewellery, worth £300.

He asked for a burglary at an address in Lammack Road and attempted burglaries in Whalley Old Road and Furness Avenue to be taken into consideration.

He was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Julie Reilly, prosecuting, said that after the offences Wickham had been arrested and pawn tickets found in his possession.

The items pawned were jewellery stolen from the Sunnybower Close address.

Wickham had admitted the other offences to the police and assisted in the recovery of property.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said Wickham had no convictions since 1994.

He added that Wickham had been employed for seven years at a residential unit that worked with drug users, helping them to deal with their problems.

"This is very much a case of gamekeeper turned poacher because, as a result of problems in his personal life, he has himself turned to heroin," said Mr Ditta.

He said that when Wickham's first child was born nine months ago his wife had suffered from post-natal depression.

Wickham could not cope and went to his doctor who prescribed a mild anti-depressant and various other medications.

Wickham began to supplement these with over-the-counter medication and eventually developed a dependency on codeine.

There were problems at home and he eventually left and at that time dabbled with heroin. He offended to feed the habit.