A THIEF described by his own barrister as a "thorough, complete, anti-social nuisance," has been jailed for 31 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard that drug addict Anthony Horrocks, 28, went into workplaces on the pretext of looking for work -- but was looking for something to steal.

He also sneaked into someone's home but came out empty-handed and stole from his own sister and cousin.

Horrocks was told by Recorder Philip Grundy drug addiction was not an excuse for crime. The judge added he accepted the defendant was now trying to kick his habit.

Horrocks, of Harold Avenue, Burnley, admitted three charges of theft, three of burglary, two deception allegations and breach of a conditional discharge, imposed for shoplifting.

Arthur Stuttard, prosecuting, told the court the defendant stole a Burnley football club season ticket belonging to his cousin from his grandfather's home. Horrocks sneaked into a store area of the Sparrowhawk Hotel, Burnley, and took a waitress's's handbag with a handbag belonging to a young woman who was financing her studies by working there as a waitress.

Roger Baldwin, defending, said the offences committed against Horrocks' family were perhaps indicative of his desperation.