A FORMER pub landlord has been given until the end of February to complete his community service -- or face going straight to jail.

Problem-plagued Peter McDonald, 34, who allowed the premises to be used for drug-taking had done 110 and a half hours out of the 150-hour order, and had buried his head in the sand over the work, Burnley Crown Court heard.

McDonald, a father of two, of Dale Street, Accrington, admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community service order and his case was adjourned until 28 February.

Judge Raymond Bennett told the defendant that when courts made a community service order they were an alternative to custody and had to be completed.

Paul Hague, prosecuting for the Probation Service, said the defendant had been convicted of permitting premises to be used for the smoking of cannabis.

He had been breached twice after being given the community service order and when he was given more time to finish it, he failed to keep appointments and did not keep in contact with the community service office.

The community service office seemed to be aware the defendant had problems but matters could not be resolved as he did not keep in touch with the office.

The offence was committed at the New Brewery Inn, Accrington, in May 1998, when McDonald was the licensee.