AN ex-convict who stole his former girlfriend's jewellery and then attacked her has five and a half months to keep his nose clean -- or face six months behind bars.

One-time heroin addict Dominic Bennett, 26, was working hard to sort out his problems and now wanted to be a drugs counsellor, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Bennett had sentence deferred by Judge Raymond Bennett who told him that if he kept out of trouble, he would keep his freedom, but if he did not, prison awaited.

Bennett, of Limbrick, Blackburn, had earlier been convicted by a jury of three counts of theft and one of common assault.

Stuart Clare, defending, said Bennett had previous convictions, had received custodial sentences and knew he was in danger of losing his liberty.

He really couldn't argue if he was sent to prison as all the offences passed the custody threshold.

Bennett's dishonesty in the past had been as a result of his heroin addiction and his quest to get money for his habit.

He had made strenuous efforts to get himself free of that addiction and was now rid of it. He needed support to address his problems which he was very keen to do.