ALCOHOLIC Timothy Flintoff asked magistrates to send him to prison for longer than recommended so that he could compete a detoxification programme in prison.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Flintoff, who had been drinking to excess since he was 16, didn't feel two weeks in custody was enough to establish the resolve to give up the booze.

And the magistrates granted his request for a sentence that would keep him inside for another two weeks.

Flintoff, 26, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stealing a Playstation belonging to Christopher Jones while they were both staying in the Police Street Hostel, Darwen.

He was sentenced to two months in prison which, because he has already served two weeks on remand, means he will spend two more weeks in custody. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation and £65 costs.

John Greenwood, defending, said Flintoff had been drinking to excess since he was 16 and the unfortunate circumstances outlined in a pre-sentence report had been responsible for that.

Mr Greenwood said the magistrates who asked for the pre-sentence report had indicated a community penalty but the report suggested this was not an appropriate sentence and recommended a custodial sentence that would result in Flintoff's immediate release.

"He has asked me to ask you if he can have a sentence longer than would lead to his immediate release," said Mr Greenwood. "He doesn't feel his resolve to keep away from alcohol is sufficient at the moment but he is receiving treatment in prison and he would welcome the opportunity to complete the programme."