A CAREER criminal asked a judge to keep him locked up in a bid to break his £100 a day heroin habit.

A court heard how Daniel Cooban, 23, an addict since the age of 18, had been on remand in prison and felt that was the best place for him to tackle his problems.

Cooban, who had stolen from two "elderly" ladies, one of whom he had known, admitted burglary and theft.

Cooban, of Industrial Street, Bacup, asked for 23 offences to be considered and was sent to custody for 27 months.

Tina Landale, prosec-uting, said the victim was in bed when Cooban stole electrical and computer equipment and jewellery.

Days later Cooban called at a bungalow in Gladstone Street, Bacup, asking for a drink. and stole a watch.

David Temkin, defending, said Cooban wanted trea-tment and wanted to put his previous lifestyle behind him.

He added: "The defendant feels that where he is in prison is where he wishes to stay. He wishes to tackle his own personal difficulties in that way."