A DRUG user succumbed to peer pressure after magistrates offered him help with his problem.

Blackburn magistrates heard Dale Duberry appeared in court and admitted 19 offences of shoplifting, all committed to fund his habit.

He was made subject to a community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement but failed to keep any of his appointments with the probation service.

Three weeks later he was back before the courts charged with three more offences.

Duberry, 30, of Edgeworth Grove, Burnley, pleaded guilty to theft of aftershave worth £149 from Asda and two charges of stealing from Tesco.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for three months and ordered to pay £148 compensation to Tesco and £149 to Asda.

Imposing sentence District Judge James Clarke said it was always disappointing when someone breached a court order so quickly.

"You showed no regard for the efforts to help you but I am going to give you one final chance," said Judge Clarke.

Daniel Frazer, defending, said following the court appearance when Duberry had pleaded guilty to 19 offences he had every intention of complying and taking all the help available.

"Unfortunately when he got home a friend encouraged him back onto the drug path and he ended up committing these offences," said Mr Frazer.