A REFORMING drug addict was given a further chance to prove himself when magistrates agreed to defer sentence for an attempted handbag snatch.

Blackburn magistrates heard how Paul Kinsey McGinty had been a "jibbering wreck" when he went into a Midlands rehabilitation unit 10 months ago.

But Basharat Ditta, defending, said his client was now one of the unit's success stories and on the verge of completing a remarkable recovery.

"He has rewarded the trust placed in him by the people at the rehabilitation centre and I would ask you to place him on trust as well," said Mr Ditta.

"He has nearly got himself into a position were he can again become a valuable member of the community and I would ask you to help him achieve that status."

McGinty, 35, of Blackburn, pleaded guilty to attempted theft of a handbag and contents valued at £800 from Christine Ingham, driving while disqualified and numerous motoring document offences.

The magistrates agreed to defer sentence for six months on the main charges and dealt with the others by imposing an 18-month disqualification.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said the offence dated back to June of last year at which time Christine Ingham was working as a library assistant at St Wilfrid's school.

She had been to a nearby shop at 10pm and as she was walking back McGinty came up behind and tried to snatch her handbag.

Mrs Ingham held on and screamed loudly at which point McGinty ran off. Mr Hartley said after his arrest McGinty admitted to police that he had a £70 a day heroin habit.