A FORMER addict stole his mother's Giro because he was being hounded to settle drug debts.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Lee Hartley had been terrified of the consequences if he did not pay.

Hartley, 27, of Linden Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of a Giro belonging to Glenys Hartley and obtaining £137 from a post office by deception.

The magistrates adjourned the case until September 24 for pre-sentence reports.

Wendy Shackleton, prosecuting, said Mrs Hartley contacted the Benefits Agency when her Giro had not arrived on the due date.

They contacted Shear Brow Post Office and discovered that the Giro had been cashed by Hartley. He had forged his mother's signature and endorsed the back of the Giro himself.

Brent Patterson, defending, said Hartley had had a very bad drug addiction but had made good progress in his efforts to get clear.

"Unfortunately his past caught up with him when a debt reared its ugly head," said Mr Patterson. "He was threatened with serious harm if he did not pay his debts and he received a couple of visits when the threat was brought home to him."

Mr Patterson said Hartley needed money badly and when his mother's Giro arrived he had succumbed to temptation.

"He has now had to move out of his mother's house," said Mr Patterson. She is in court today but will not speak to him and he is too ashamed to speak to her. He is shamefaced because he realises that not only has he let himself down but also his mother. He wants to apologise to her, through me, in the hope that it will help to build some bridges.

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