A LEADING judge has hit out at the devastation drugs can inflict on "exemplary"families and said solving the problem was "beyond the ability of anybody."

Judge Philip Raynor, QC, made his comments as he jailed a 23-year-old man whose heroin addiction had driven him to thieve from his parents, grandmother and former girlfriend's home as well as elderly women.

The judge said Niki Anderton was well educated, had served an apprenticeship and came from an exemplary family -- but his life had been ruined by drugs.

He said Anderton had previously led a blameless life and his case was a tragic example of the terrible things drug abuse could do. The offences he had committed were "unforgiveable."

Judge Raynor said the defendant's mother and father, who were sitting in the public gallery, had to listen to things no parents should have to listen to. He went on: "Dealing with this sort of problem is beyond the ability of anybody."

Anderton, of Newfield Drive, Nelson, had admitted five counts of burglary and asked for 34 offences to be considered and was sent to custody for three years.

Sue Riley, prosecuting, told Burnley Crown Court Anderton struck at his former partner's home and took property, including Christmas presents he had tried to persuade her to sell to fund his addiction.

He also helped himself to jewellery and electrical goods worth £1600 while his parents were away on holiday.

Anthony Cross, defending, said Anderton was only in court because of heroin and the way it was available.

The defendant's parents felt their son had been lost and now he was found again, although he would not be returned to them just yet.

The parents had visited Anderton in jail, he had put on weight and seemed to be back to how he was - an ordinary young man without any fundamental flaws.

Anderton had shown obvious remorse for what he had done. He was not sorry for being caught, but was sorry for the pain and distress he had caused his family, his former girlfriend, her family and his elderly victrims.