A DRUG addict raided his mother's home and helped himself to his brother's computer and games, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Mark Milner, 19, who had been banned from the family home, wanted to rid himself of his habit.

Judge Raymond Bennett said he was prepared to give him a chance - but warned him it wouldn't be easy. He adjourned the case for two weeks, to see if a place could be found at a rehabilitation centre. He told the defendant: "Don't think anybody can wave a magic wand and get you off drugs. It is extremely hard."

The judge said the probation service would see if funding could be found for a place and Milner may have to go for assessment. He warned him: "Don't think it will be easy."

Milner, of Church Street, Padiham, had earlier admitted burglary and been committed for sentence by Pennine magistrates.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said the defendant's mother went out and when she returned to her home, she found property worth £150 was missing.

Milner had told a young girl he was going to go into the property but she tried to dissuade him and told his grandparents.

Police were contacted and the defendant immediately admitted what he had done. The stolen property has not been recovered.

Peter Buckley, defending, said what Milner had done was stupid. He had already made a £40 contribution towards another Playstation for his brother. The defendant was not allowed to go to the family home. There were difficulties between the defendant and his stepfather because of Milner's drug dependency.

Mr Buckley added the defendant's pre-sentence report suggested Milner could go to a rehabilitation centre in Coventry and he was very keen to go.

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