A GAS fitter was left unable to work after his tools were stolen from his van after he had left it parked outside his house overnight.

Blackburn magistrates heard Robert Norris had sold the equipment to raise money to buy heroin.

Norris, 46, of Brentwood Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty to theft of tools worth £600. He was sentenced to four weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 compensation. The magistrates were told the offence pre-dated another suspended sentence Norris had been given two days earlier.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the owner of the van thought he had locked his vehicle but when he went out the following morning all his tools had been taken. He checked on CCTV which showed Norris removing the equipment.

"He is now unable to work and losing money every day because of this theft," said Miss Allan.

Mark Williams, defending, said his client accepted the nature of the property stolen made the offence more serious.

"Hopefully the aggrieved is insured and will be able to get back to work soon," said Mr Williams. "My client was looking to steal to fund his drug habit and he found this car unlocked."