A TROUBLED drug addict has gone home to mother in a bid to put her problems and her habit behind her.

Burnley Magistrates Court heard how Samantha Delaney, 40, went thieving in Colne Asda in front of staff just to get arrested as a cry for help.

She now wanted to go and live with her mother, a former teacher and magistrate who would take no nonsense and keep her on the straight and narrow.

Delaney, of Rhoda Street, Nelson, admitted theft and failing to surrender.

The defendant, who has a record for dishonesty, was given 56 days in jail, supended for 12 months, with 12 months supervision.

Sentencing, District Judge Peter Ward told her: "It's in your interests to leave this area and leave the person you have been living with.

"Hopefully the risk of you committing further offences will be reduced and you will do something about drugs."

He added: "It's very much down to you."

Andrew Creswell, prosecuting, told the court the defendant stole air fresheners and milk worth £50, walked out of the store and waited to be detained.

She made full admissions in interview and said she had got herself arrested because she was having problems at home and wanted an escape.

John Rusius, defending, said Delaney had been in a relationship which was not ideal and it was not the first time she had been arrested to try and get away.

Her mother was a strict disciplinarian and Delaney would not offend while living with her.