A HEROIN addict who once stole Burnley's top judge's laptop has won his freedom to try and win his drugs battle in the community.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Andrew Purvis, now 32, had a long record and recently added to it by burgling The Oaks Hotel at Reedley for a second time.

Purvis had since been on remand in custody for the equivalent of a four month sentence.

He has now been given a drugs programme, to see if he means business when he claims he is motivated to stay clean.

The defendant, who had been found in a residents' corridor of the hotel, was said to have slipped in behind a staff member while he was in a ‘drug -induced haze’.

He hit the headlines in 2001, when he sneaked into the private chambers of Judge Raymond Bennett and stole the £2,000 computer.

He had gone on to own up to a string of burglaries, including one at The Oaks, and had got 27 months in jail.

On Friday he was back in the dock of the same court, after he had earlier confessed to burglary at the hotel with intent to steal on May 15.

The hearing was told the defendant had recently been reunited with his long lost brother who was willing to offer him support and was said to be at a turning point in his life. Purvis, of Parkinson Street, Burnley, was given a 12 month community order, with supervision and a nine month drug rehabilitation programme.

The court was told the defendant was seen at 5.20pm by a hotel staff member who knew him and recognised him from when he trespassed the last time. She didn't want a confrontation.

He had not panicked at being rumbled and was still there 40 minutes later when staff located him.

Purvis left by a fire exit, was followed by the assistant manager and claimed he had wanted to inquire about gym prices.

The defendant, who was abusive, was arrested near the hospital. He claimed to police he had been just looking for the toilet in the hotel. The defendant had 65 offences on his record, including 11 for burglaries.

Tim Brennand, for Purvis, said he had a long-standing drug problem and had given voluntary, negative tests in custody. He had a knowledge of his problems and was motivated.

Recorder Paul Reid, QC, told the defendant he had an ‘appalling record’ and prison held no fear for him.

The judge said: "My intention was to send you to prison and to send you to prison immediately. However, I have decided, by a whisker, not to send you to prison and see whether or not you are prepared to take advantage of the opportunity.”