THE support of his family was a key factor in saving Lee Swailes from going to prison for theft offences committed to fund his drug addiction.

Blackburn magistrates told Swailes it seemed that other people valued him more than he valued himself but gave him a chance to prove the remorse he had shown in court had been genuine.

Swailes, 29, of Oban Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of a benefit cheque and attempting to obtain money by deception, attempted theft from the Games Store, Market Way, Blackburn, theft of aftershave from Boots and theft of cuddly toys from the Birthday Card Shop.

The magistrates imposed a drug testing and treatment order for 12 months.

This will involve him providing at least two samples a week for testing during the first 20 weeks of the order, one sample a week during the second 20 week period and one sample a month for the remainder.

He will be subject to probation service supervision and court review hearings.

Any finding of drugs could lead to him being resentenced.