A DRUG addict was jailed for three-and-half years for a catalogue of crime which left a trail of victims in its wake.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Christopher Follett, 30, began with a £1,600 house raid at his next door neighbour's.

He also stole from a car, got behind the wheel while banned and was found growing at least 20 cannabis plants.

He also failed to turn up to court, raided a tool-hire premises, and produced a knife and threatened to kill an accommodation manager in Accrington.

Follett had been made subject of two suspended jail terms with a drug rehabilitation requirement, but soon afterwards had been committing offences again.

The defendant, of Rowan Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, wrote a judge a letter outlining how drugs and alcohol had completely taken over his life and how he wanted to get back on track.

He admitted driving while disqualified, theft, faling to surrender, no insurance, producing cannabis, making a threat to kill, possessing an offensive weapon and was in breach of the suspended sentences imposed for driving while banned. He asked for six offences to be considered and was banned for three years.

Katie Jones, prosecuting, said police went to an out-building off Roegreave Road, Oswaldtwistle and it appeared somebody was living there as there was a bed, television and clothing.

Officers found 20 to 30 cannabis plants growing, with heating and lighting equipment. Police went to the defendant's address and arrested him. He admitted growing the plants and said they were for his own use. He was on bail at the time.

In January, police saw two men in a doorway on Blackburn Road, Accrington. The defendant was holding a large knife towards the other man and officers heard him shouting: "I'm going to kill you."

The victim, an accommodation manager, had been woken up by shouting outside and was confronted by the defendant when he went to investigate.

Follett had 59 previous convictions, going back to 1992.

Philip Holden, defending, said the offences took place over a very, very difficult 18 months for the defendant.

He had been gripped by heroin addiction and things got out of control. Follett had owed a lot of money to a dealer, had been subjected to physical threats and resorted to crime to pay it back.

"The offences were committed by a man who has tried to clear the decks," he said.