A DRUG addict banned from going near his family went to their homes because he wanted their love, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Martin John Robinson, 31, was crying out for help and wanted his family's care -- but he had gone about it in the wrong way.

Robinson of Kendal Street, Nelson, was jailed for two months after admitting three counts of breaching a restraining order. Carolyn Jones, prosecuting, said the defendant had caused his family problems for a number of years because of his drug abuse.

He had caused damage and if he was not allowed in their homes, he would throw stones and shout abuse. Robinson was given the restraining order after allegations were made against him.

He went to the home of two family members and asked for cash. He was refused, hung around for 30 minutes police arrived and he was removed.

Robinson also went to his mother's property, continually rang her doorbell as she slept and asked for a drink. Mrs Jones said the defendant later went to hospital, asking to be admitted, was refused and insisted upon being arrested and, eventually, he was.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Robinson had gone to his father's home because he had wanted to see him to say he loved him. He also wanted to see his brother, with whom he got on very well. He knew he should not have gone there.

The defendant did not make any threats, there was no violence offered and no hassle. He had gone either for some money or to get a copy of the local newspaper.

Mark Irlam said Robinson was a nuisance and a pest to his family. At the time he went to his mother's he told the police where he was because he was living rough and wanted to be taken into police cells.

The solicitor added that the defendant's problem was amphetamines and he was crying out for help. "He has wanted loving care from his family and probably sought it the wrong way."