A WOMAN relapsed into drug abuse after her father took his own life by throwing himself off a building in Darwen.

Blackburn magistrates heard prior to the tragedy Ashley Anne Hough had been in rehab and was working with the agencies.

Hough, 32, of Selborne Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of perfumes worth £55 from TK Maxx.

She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £40 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the offence had been unsophisticated.

"She selected two perfumes and left without making any attempt to remove the security tags," said Miss Allan.

"The alarm was activated and she was detained."

Shaun Finnigan, defending, said his client was genuinely remorseful for what she had done.

"She was winning her battle against drugs until tragedy struck in May." said Mr Finnigan.

"Her father took his own life by throwing himself off a building in Darwen and she struggled to cope. Unfortunately she started taking crack cocaine again."