A MAN who stole from his sister after she allowed him to live in her home was given a roof over his head by his mother when his sibling threw him out.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Anthony Woods, 35, then repaid his mum's hospitality by stealing from her.

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The court was told property he stole was pawned to raise cash to fund his addiction to gaming machines.

Woods, of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of gold jewellery, a Playstation and cash from Michelle Woods, theft of computer games and cash from Joan Woods, fraudulent use of a store card and fraudulently selling items which were not his to sell.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for 18 months, with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £100 compensation each to his mother and sister and pay £85 costs.

Hilary Reece, prosecuting, said Woods had stolen because of his gambling addiction.

His sister Michelle had let him come and stay with her after he was released from prison.

She threw him out when she realised he had been stealing from her.

"His mother took him in but warned him that he mustn't steal from her," said Mrs Reece.

"She was searching his room looking for evidence of drugs when she found a catalogue order form for two Playstation controllers which it turned out he had ordered on her husband's account.

She then found an empty jar which she recognised as one she collected £2 coins in."

His sister told police she noticed a money tin and some gold jewellery had gone missing and told her brother to leave.

Gareth Price, defending, said Woods had admitted the offences to his family before he admitted them to the police.

"In the past drugs were a problem for my client but he has dealt with that," said Mr Price.

"As is often the case with people with an addictive personality he has changed one addiction for another and his addiction now is gambling on machines."

He said the offences had been a wake up call for Woods.

"It has caused him to reflect on his problem and he hasn't gambled in the last two weeks," said Mr Price.