A FORMER drug addict with a 30-year problem who turned his life around with the help of an East Lancashire rehab charity has kept his freedom after being caught dealing.

Leslie Pilling had managed to stay out of trouble for 15 years before being convicted of being concerned in the supply of drugs, Burnley Crown Court heard.

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The 47-year-old, of Bankfield Street, Colne, was given six months to see whether the THOMAS (Those On The Margins Of Society) Project at Blackburn could provide enough assistance to break his long-term habit.

And after a glowing report from his counsellor Keith Nimmo, who was himself given a second chance by THOMAS following a theft conviction four years ago, Pilling was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Mr Nimmo said: “Les has been amazing. I’ve worked with him since the first day he walked through our doors. He has gone from fighting the system to wanting to work within it. He is a big member of our group.”

He told the court Pilling, who he could confirm was now drugs-free, was also training to be a counsellor himself for the organisation, which is based at Witton Bank, as well as undertaking a number of courses.

Judge Beverley Lunt said: “The unusual aspect of his case was him not having been in trouble for 15 years, despite being a drug addict for 30 years.

“But there were problems with him potentially being aggressive. But bearing all things in mind, and the really positive steps which you have taken over the past six months, it has to be a prison sentence but I will suspend it and include an element of supervision.

“You have certainly seized the opportunity which I gave you and you should be proud of that. If you fall by the wayside though, I will send you to prison for two years, you must understand that.”

Pilling will also be under probation service supervision for 12 months.

THOMAS was established in 1994 by Father Jim McCartney and as well as its original home in Blackburn, staff now work across East Lancashire, North Lancashire and Salford, offering residential and drop-in rehabilitation services.