A 33-YEAR-OLD woman could become the first person at Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced to a drug testing and treatment order.

Janet Furness had her case adjourned until February 28 for assessment and a judge told her the final decision would only be made when she returned to court.

The defendant, of the YWCA, Blackburn, had earlier admitted theft.

Judge David Pirie said most other other sentences had been tried with her and he thought the drug treatment order should be explored.

The order would give her treatment for her drug problem and make her subject to regular tests to ensure she is not taking illegal substances.

The drug testing and treatment order is a new type of sentence introduced by the Home Office, run under the supervision of the probation service.