AN addict facing Christmas behind bars if he didn't comply with a drugs order, will spend it at home.

Stephen Burton, 30, had had his sentence deferred for four months He had been caught with drugs while on an 18 month jail term, suspended for two years for handling stolen goods, imposed on June 21.

Burnley Crown Court heard he had only just been given the order when he was found with cannabis and heroin.

Burton, of Elizabeth Street, Burnley, had admitted two counts of possessing drugs on July 2 and failure to surrender, in breach of the suspended term.

Judge Beverley Lunt had told the defendant then that she was giving him a chance to comply with the order.

She had warned him if he didn't, he would be sent down for 18 months.

The judge gave the defendant a 12 month conditional discharge and extended the suspended sentence for three months.