A DRUG addict dubbed by a judge a "thorough pest and nuisance to society" has walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Angela Wallace, 29, had had a heroin addiction for ten years and committed crime to fund it.

The defendant, who has been in custody for six months, won her freedom after Recorder Philip Grundy said her being behind bars had been good for her, good for the community and better for her health wise.

The judge said Wallace, who had an "appalling record" for dishonesty, with 65 previous convictions, was taking steps for the first time in her life to resolve the problem of her drug habit.

Wallace, of Pennine Road, Bacup, was given a 12 month community rehabilitation order, after appearing at Burnley Crown Court, on a deferred sentence after being convicted of burglary.

She had also admitted deception allegations and breach of two conditional discharges.

The court was told the defendant had committed sneak burglaries in the Rawtenstall area and then stolen credit cards were used to gain property to sell for drugs cash. Wallace, who was captured on CCTV, made full and frank admissions to police in interview.

David Temkin, defending, said Wallace knew the offences crossed the custody threshold, particularly in the light of her previous convictions and the deferred sentence.