MAGISTRATES agreed to give Francis Joseph Gallagher a chance to get his life back on track after hearing the reformed alcoholic had fallen off the wagon and returned to drink.

Basharat Ditta, defending, told Blackburn magistrates Gallagher would welcome the assistance of the probation service in his fight against drink.

The presiding magistrate told Gallagher the chance he was being given was his very last.

Gallagher, 47, of Gloucester Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing beef joints worth £26 from Morrisons. The case was adjourned for the preparation of pre-sentence reports, specifically addressing alcohol-related offending.

Mr Ditta said Gallagher had received a 33-month prison sentence in 1998 which had brought him to his senses.

"While he was serving that sentence he detoxified himself and went on a number of courses dealing with alcohol awareness and similar topics," said Mr Ditta.

"He was released in February 2000, adamant that he would not drink again. He received help from the probation service, enrolled at college and was training to be a chef."

Mr Ditta said the past had caught up with his client who was now perilously close to returning to old ways.

"He is asking for help because he doesn't want to go back in that direction," said Mr Ditta.