A MAN turned to burglary in a desperate bid to help his girlfriend clear drugs debts.

William Carter struck at an elderly couple's home on Abraham Street, Blackburn, where he stole a handbag and contents.

The 33 year old of Mosley Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to the burglary which he committed on May 17th this year.

The elderly couple were at home at the time.

The woman heard the sound of wind chimes and rustling in the hall, said Miss Sophie Cartwright, prosecuting.

She went downstairs to see a man leave through the front door. Carter was later seen in a back alley off Mosley Street.

He ran away, but three days later he was found hiding in the loft area of his address.

The court heard that the defendant had a number of convictions, including some for burglary and theft.

Two weeks before the offence he had been given a Drug Treatment and Testing Order for burglary and theft.

Mr Jacob Dyer, defending, said Carter accepted that a custody sentence was inevitable.

"It was not at the top end of the scale for burglary offences. He says he saw an open door, took the purse and ran out.

"The offence was related to drug debts of his girlfriend. He had been attacked by three men who were demanding he find money to pay her drug debts."

Judge Peter Openshaw QC passed a two-year prison sentence.