A COURT gave Farrakh Rashid a chance to continue the drug rehabilitation work he had started off his own bat.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Rashid had made a promise to himself to get clear of drugs so that he could resume contact with his two young children.

And defence solicitor, Basharat Ditta urged the magistrates to "grasp the nettle" and deal with Rashid in a way that would allow him to tackle his addiction and get on with his life.

Rashid, 30, of Norwich Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two offences of shoplifting.

He was ordered to complete 100 hours community punishment and made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £75 costs.

The court heard that he has put himself in a precarious position and that the easy option "would be to send him to prison today," said Mr Ditta.

He said Rashid had not been in trouble until he was 27 years old when he had been introduced to heroin by others.

"He started using heroin and started offending to pay for his habit," said Mr Ditta.

"He is married with two children but he is not allowed to see them because of his drug problem. He has sought help off his own bat and has been to see his GP who has made arrangements with regards to a detoxification programme.

"He is determined to succeed and has made a promise to himself to rid himself of drugs so that he can go back and see his children.