A DRUG addict thief with almost 100 convictions to his name told magistrates he would strike again if they did not jail him - and got his wish.

The bench heard ex-convict Gary Stoiles, 29, did not want a community-based penalty. And his solicitor told the Burnley bench how he felt the only chance to kick his drug habit and get his life back on track was if he went to prison.

The defendant, of Willis Street, Burnley, admitted stealing from shops and abstracting electricity.

He was sent jailed for three months after justices said he had failed to respond to previous court orders and only custody was appropriate.

The bench heard the defendant stole a CD player worth £19.97 from Asda. He also asked a friend to wire his electricity meter. Stoiles had 94 previous convictions going back to 1990.

Mark Williams, defending, said Stoiles had suffered with a drug habit for some time, had attended the Tower Project and organisers were prepared to continue working with him.

He was still addicted to heroin and he felt he would reoffend if he stayed in the community.

The solicitor added: "It is not for the defendant to determine the sentence but he says he will offend again to pay for his habit if he doesn't receive a custodial sentence."