POLICE are to apply for an anti-social behaviour order on a 27-year-old prolific car criminal from Bacup.

Heroin addict John Daniel Egan, recently released from jail, is said to fund his habit by stealing cars or stealing from them, Burnley magistrates heard.

The court was told Egan had an "extensive " criminal record, which included 10 previous convictions for driving while banned and 18 for vehicle theft.

He admitted his 11th disqualified driving offence yesterday -- following being arrested on the roof of his home after climbing through the skylight when police turned up.

Egan, of Inkerman Street, Bacup, also pleaded guilty to using an uninsured vehicle, having no test certificate and failing to stop for a police officer. He was remanded in custody to await sentence on May 28.

John Wood, prosecuting, told the magistrates the police would be applying for an ASBO, which could now be made if a person was convicted of a criminal offence.

It was being sought because of the defendant's "activities," largely in relation to cars, as leading up to his prison sentence he had committed many offences involving vehicles.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Egan had an unenviable record and he could not get away from that.

He ended up on the roof of his property because he panicked and made a futile and pointless attempt to get away.

Mr Bradshaw said Egan spent £5 a day on drugs, which bought half a bag of heroin. He was on benefits.

The solicitor added the defendant had some mechanical skills and had bought the car he had driven to renovate it and sell for profit. He was not intending to drive it around.