Nicholas Ian Macro (29) admitted a burglary, stealing from vehicles and attempted thefts and told the judge he hoped jail would help him overcome his addiction.

During the sentencing at Burnley Crown Court, prosecutor Mr Andrew Smith said, in January, Macro was caught trying to steal a car stereo by the owner of the vehicle in Burnley town centre.

She was pushed to the ground when she confronted him after opening the door. Macro said: "Sorry love, is this your car?" as he ran off, leaving the victim shaken. The broken window and stereo cost £130 to repair.

In another incident, Macro broke into the house of a disabled man and stole items including a plasma TV and DVD player, and was also caught red-handed by police smashing another car window and stealing the stereo. After he was arrested he admitted numerous other thefts.

Mr Richard Taylor (defending) said Macro had been undergoing drug treatment in custody on remand. He added: "He, like so many other young men, has had his life dominated by drugs. Both he and his family want him to come out of any custodial sentence and live an honest and productive life.

"He is coming to the time of his life where he realises he is no good to his family and his partner when he is in custody and he is going to use his time in custody productively and if he does come off drugs he is less likely to offend."

Recorder Michael Greene sentenced Macro to two years and 10 months in jail and added: "You have potential and certainly could still have potential but drugs are the root of your problem. Your time in custody may be useful in helping this addiction."