A MAN who had kept out of trouble for his entire life slipped from grace after taking up with a woman who was a drug user, magistrates heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Norman Holliday had a trade, employment, money in his pocket and substantial funds in the bank.

He was now hooked on drugs himself, had collected his first criminal conviction, for stealing a bottle of whisky and, until recently, had been living at the Salvation Army hostel.

Holliday, 46, who said he was staying at an address in St Clements Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to shoplifting. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £60 costs.

Nigel Holden, defending, said Holliday was a joiner by trade who had worked consistently until October, when he got involved in drugs.

"He met a lady, spent money on her and got drawn into the world of drugs that she inhabited," said Mr Holden.

"It is an indication of the level of his decline that he has recently been living at the Salvation Army hostel and this offence was committed when he was down to his last few pence and wanted money for his bus fare."

Mr Holden said Holliday had finally realised that he had to get himself out of his present situation.

"He has registered with the community drugs team and is hoping to get accommodation at Inward House, Accrington."

"He realises there is only one person who can get him out of it and that is himself. He is, at last, facing up to the consequences of his actions."