AN OFFENDER given community rehabilitation didn't bother with it, and, as a result, has lost his freedom .

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jason Rigby, 27, had had a broken arm after being beaten up and did not keep in touch with the probation service.

Rigby was jailed for two months after Judge Raymond Bennett said the order had neither punished nor rehabilitated him.

He told Rigby the order was meant to be "irksome" and was supposed to be punishment but he couldn't even manage to do it.

The judge went on: "People must understand that if they do not do community punishment or community rehabilitation orders, custody is the first consideration."

Rigby, of Thursby Road, Nelson, had earlier admitted breach of a community rehabilitation order and been committed for sentence by the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates.

Robert Crawford, defending, said Rigby had been living an itinerant lifestyle, moving from accommodation to accommodation.

He had not committed any further offences and was prepared to co-operate with the probation service.

Mr Crawford said Rigby had been in custody and his arm was broken after he was beaten up. He should have kept in touch with the probation service. The defendant was not a danger to society and perhaps could be given the opportunity of a conditional discharge.