A BLACKBURN teenager was forced into participating in pornography by a man who had introduced her to heroin and then taken over her life, a court heard.

Defence lawyer Basharat Ditta, told Blackburn magistrates that until three months ago Sarah Louise Robinson, 18, of Woodlea Road, had been a law-abiding citizen whose only concern was bringing up her baby.

But he said her life had been turned inside out by people who had introduced her to drugs and then used her as a pawn in their sordid game.

The girl was before the court for three offences of shoplifting and the magistrates adjourned her case for the preparation of pre-sentence reports after hearing from Mr Ditta that she was a young woman in need of every bit of help she could get.

He told the court that while the offences were straightforward the story behind them was not. "There is a lot going on beneath the surface which will cause the court considerable concern," said Mr Ditta.

He said his client had never been in trouble of any kind until August. "Prior to that she had been introduced to drugs by others, far more sophisticated than her, and once they had her in their grasp they used her as a pawn," said Mr Ditta.

"She was told to go to various stores and steal specific items in return for drugs and there are also issues of pornography being investigated by the police.

"She has made various allegations about a particular person who she says takes her money from her and makes her do various things which I will not detail in open court. She is 18-years-old, has little support and is in the grasp of these evil people," said Mr Ditta.

The court heard that the girl, who was brought from the cells, had failed to appear on one occasion through fear.

"The person I have made reference to found out she had spoken to the police. He was at court, waiting for her," said Mr Ditta.

"She has told the police that she will make a statement about what has gone on and once that is made later today, I would hope that the police will afford her some protection and she will not need to commit any further offences or submit to the demands made on her."