A DRUG addict stole from her family to the tune of £3,000 after falling victim to heroin, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Louise Heaton, 18, helped herself to her mother's jewellery in a safe, and also took computer games and a mobile phone from her cousin.

And the court was told Heaton's mother wanted the court proceedings to go on, even though Heaton was her daughter, as she felt she needed a shock.

The defendant, of Judgefields, Colne, admitted theft between February and March and in May.

She was given a nine-month supervision order, with six months drugs rehabilitation. Heaton must pay £2,919 compensation.

The court was told when Heaton's mother went to get some jewellery, some of sentimental value, from the safe, she found the safe was no longer there. A neighbour had seen the defendant carrying a suitcase away from the house.

James Young, defending, said Heaton was crying out for help.

She had been introduced to heroin at the age of 16 by a friend, but was now on a methadone prescription.

She had fallen into the habit of buying drugs and committed the offences as a result. She had not been in trouble before.

Heaton knew it was wrong to steal the safe, but couldn't help herself as she was desperate for drugs. The defendant was extremely sorry and was now back living with her parents.

Mr Young said the defendant was now improving and looked "clean", and as if she was over the worst. He added: "She is simply trying to keep her head down and get on with her life. The defendant has always wanted to work in childcare and hopes to get on some sort of college course."