A RAIDER caught by a householder in his garage in the early hours claimed he had never been in trouble with the police.

But Burnley Crown Court heard how the truth was drug addict Patrick Peter Johnson, 24, was an ex-convict, with a long criminal record, and was in breach of prison licence and a conditional discharge.

Johnson, whose addiction to first heroin and now crack cocaine was said to be chronic, refused help, but a judge warned him if he did not take it he was wasting his life.

Recorder Tonya Griffiths said Johnson's stance was a "very sorry state of affairs," for both he and the community he lived in and he desperately needed assistance.

She told the defendant he was not a child and in time he would be mature enough to reflect on the years he had wasted. He was still young and could lead a happy and fulfilling life if he accepted help from people who were willing to give it.

Johnson, of Chapel Street, Nelson, admitted burglary of a garage on Hillside Avenue, Nelson, on March 14.

He was sent to prison for two years and must also serve the 159 day unexpired portion of his previous sentence.