A DRUG-ADDICTED thief was sick and tired of his lifestyle and wanted to give it up, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Richard Anthony Whittaker, 29, had been to prison at least seven times and nothing had stopped him offending.

Whittaker was slammed as a persistent offender by the bench, who added it was very difficult to know what to do with him. He was given a 12-month drug treatment and testing order and the chairman told him they hoped it was the start of something new for him.

The defendant, of Earnshaw Road, Bacup, admitted two counts of theft and must pay £18.87 compensation.

The court was told Whittaker, who helped himself to two bottles of suncream from Lloyd pharmacy, had 34 previous convictions, 23 for theft.

Janet Sime, defending, said Whittaker had come from a reasonable family background but started taking heroin after he was made redundant. His life left the normal track and after that it completely revolved around drugs.

Whittaker was nearing 30 and was fed up of dodging the police and pursuing his addictive lifestyle.

Miss Sime went on: "He's just sick and tired of it and is really at the end of his tether. Prison does not hold any fears for him. He's been there and is not bothered. He can do prison any time.

"The defendant is disgusted with himself and disgusted with his lifestyle. If he fails or breaches a DTTO he goes to prison. He knows that."