A DRUG addict was told he avoided a prison sentence ‘by the skin of his teeth’ after being convicted of stealing from his stepfather’s shop.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jonathon Wareing was arrested in possession of a pocket knife the day after stealing from his family’s takeaway in Dockray Street, Colne for the second time in a week.

Recorder David Swinnerton sentenced Wareing to 14 months in prison suspended for two years after the thefts from his family’s business No 10 Kebab and Pizza.

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Recorder Swinnerton said he made the decision to suspended Wareing's sentence because he believed he had a chance to overcome his drug problems, which had plagued him for years.

He said: “I have no doubt he stole the money to spend it on drugs.

“He does seem to have a real regret and remorse for his actions.

“There is the very real prospect of rehabilitation with a suspended sentence.

“I’m going to give you a chance by the skin of your teeth.”

Prosecutor Karen Brook said Wareing, of Cleveland Street, Colne, used a key to trespass into the takeaway with intent to steal in April.

The court heard he had disabled the CCTV prior to his visit and stole around £110.

Miss Brook said one week later he robbed his stepsister Aysha Fatty, who was working in the takeaway, of £800 from the cash machine.

She told the court Wareing ‘pushed’ his sister away as she tried to stop him and the theft was witnessed by a second person.

Miss Brook said: “He grabbed a bundle of bank notes, climbed back over the counter before running from the shop.

“Both the women in the shop were clearly shocked.”

The 45-year-old was ‘clearly drunk’ when he was arrested in possession of a folding pocket knife in Skipton Road, Barnoldswick the next day, the court heard.

Recorder Swinnerton said Wareing had six previous convictions from 19 offences dating back to July 2002.

Ellen Shaw, defending, said her client had now reconciled with his family and had gone back to work at the takeaway.

She said: “Systems need to be in place so he doesn’t go back to drugs as a crutch.

“He can work towards being a productive member of society.”

Miss Shaw added Wareing’s family would have been in court to support him if they had not had to work.