A PAINTER and decorator pinched cheques and got cash to the tune of almost £500, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how heroin addict Jason O'Leary, 29, who took the cheques from two works offices, also gave, or sold, some to others. He blew the cash on heroin and household items.

The defendant who, in the past, served 10 months in jail, admitted burglary and deception.

He was given a two- year community order with the Think First programme and supervision, and must do 200 hours unpaid work.

0' Leary, of Britannia Walk, Burnley, was ordered to pay £490 compensation and £70 costs.

The court was told the defendant used the cheques to obtain cash at The Money Shop.

He came to the attention of police after his fingerprints were found on the cheque books.

0'Leary has 23 previous convictions, 14 of them for dishonesty.

James Young, defending, said O'Leary cashed the cheques in his own name at a place where he was known so knew full well the police would have caught up with him.

O'Leary, who worked at Rachel Homes, did not know why he committed the offences.

Mr Young said: "He has a heroin addiction, but doesn't believe that was the reason he committed the offences.

"The defendant has had depression in the past and has had medical treatment."

Mr Young added O'Leary, who was £3,000 in debt, enjoyed his job.