A CRIMINAL who asked Burnley magistrates to jail him got his wish but 10 days more than he hoped for.

Drug addict Stuart Brown, 28, had a place in rehabilitation starting at the beginning of next month and wanted to kick his habit before he went in. His solicitor suggested the bench send him to prison for 60 days so he would be released at the end of the month.

Brown, who raided a garage, attacked two people and earlier caused a rumpus outside a woman's home, terrifying her child on New Year's Day, was given a 70-day sentence.

The defendant, of Granby Street, Burnley, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, burglary and two counts of assault by beating. The justices told him custody was the only option.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, told the court Brown banged very hard on the woman's window with a pole, as if trying to smash it.

In March two men, Mark Wilkinson and Scott Jackson, were walking along Arran Street in Burnley. The defendant asked Mr Wilkinson for some money and hit him in the head when he said he didn't have any.

Mr Jackson told Brown to leave his friend alone and Brown then struck him, leaving him bleeding and in pain.

David Leach, defending, said Brown had been taking heroin for a number of years. The New Year's Day offence took place after his mother's windows had been put through and he found someone at the house was responsible.

Brown committed the burglary after his benefits were stolen and he had no money. He and his brother had a "session" and Brown was drunk.

Mr Leach said since his release from his last custodial term Brown had involved himself with a number of agencies and not committed as many offences.

The defendant did not think he would able to comply with supervision in the community and wanted to get off drugs. The solicitor went on: "The only way he can do that is by a short custodial sentence.

"He has a place at rehabilitation starting at the beginning of next month and wants to go in completely drug-free."