A LONG-TIME criminal who wants to put his life of offending and drugs behind him was given a helping hand by Burnley magistrates.

The court was told how ex-convict John McDougall, 39, of Gannow Lane, Burnley, had brought up his son single-handedly despite his addiction.

He admitted handling stolen goods and two counts of deception on September 23.

But McDougall, who has been on remand in custody, won his freedom and was given a 12-month drug treatment and testing order.

The bench chairman, who told McDougall he had made a conscious effort to tackle his problem, said: "Tomorrow is the start of the rest of your life. Make the most of it."

The court was told that a credit card was stolen in a house burglary and that McDougall bought a pair of shoes and top worth £89 and £129 gold chain with it.

McDougall had previous convictions for burglary and theft and had been to prison.

Mark Williams, defending, said McDougall had had a drug problem for many years.

Mr Williams added that McDougall had been his son's sole carer from a young age and had managed to control his habit to a significant degree and bring up his child.

He then went to prison for a long time and when he came out, he mixed with old associates who were into drugs, the court heard.