A PROLIFIC and well-known criminal has admitted he has a drugs problem – and his solicitor told a court he needed help.

Burnley magistrates heard how Norman "Knuckles" Jones went on ‘trolley dashes’" amounting to almost £500 at branches of Asda while tagged.

The defendant, 56, who has 134 previous convictions, admitted two counts of theft.

Jones, formerly of Colne, but now living in Williams Road, Burnley, was remanded in custody until September 23 for a pre-sentence report.

He will be assessed for a drug rehabilitation requirement, but the bench warned him all options were open and custody was not being ruled out.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the defendant went into Accrington Asda on August 9 and tried to get away with a trolley stacked with goods worth £293.

He told police he had no job and had wanted to get things for "the kids."

He made full and frank admissions and the haul was recovered.

Jones then targeted Asda in Blackburn and filled a trolley with items worth almost £200.

"He was abusive to security staff and told police he had gone there from Burnley for a "trolley dash."

Richard Taylor, for Jones, said: "He needs help. When he was interviewed by police on the last occasion, he said he had recently got into drugs.

"The probation service is prepared to do a report on him.

"He concedes he will have to stay in custody for this."