A "DESPICABLE" drug addict who stole a teddy bear from a shrine to a toddler killed in a road accident has been jailed.

Andrew Fancy, 28, was sent down for eight months yesterday for snatching the toy from a memorial to three-year-old Levi Bleasdale in Ormerod Road, Burnley.

Levi died when she was in hit by a car crossing the road with her mother Kirsty Ryan, 21, and five-month-old sister Brogan on September 9.

Burnley magistrates were told Fancy had taken a cocktail of booze and drugs, including Tempazpam and methodone, before he stole the bear just three days after the accident

The court also heard on the same day he had raided St Peter's Church, Church Street, stealing pin badges sold to raise money for the church. Fancy, of Branch Road, Burnley, previously admitted theft and burglary, as well as committing offences during a conditional discharge.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, described the crimes as "despicable."

He said Fancy, who had 20 previous convictions, was charged with the theft of the bear following a police appeal to trace the owner of the stuffed toy.

James Young, defending, said the defendant got hooked on drugs at 19 but had not taken any substances in the two months he had served on remand.

He added that while in custody Fancy had being assaulted by Levi's father and if jailed could suffer further attacks.

Mr Young told the court on the day of the incidents Fancy wanted money to get a fix for his addiction and had since written a letter of apology to the church.

He said: "He had taken a cocktail of alcohol and drugs. His only thoughts were to sell the items in the hope he could get more drugs.

"When he was alerted about the full circumstances of the thefts he was disgraced."

Fancy was jailed for four months for the theft and burglary, to run consecutively, and one month for each breach of the conditional discharge to run concurrently.