Sara Nazurally's habit had previously led to a six-month jail term and she offended again while on licence, had not been able to get the help needed from doctors to kick her habit, Burnley magistrates heard.

The defendant (37), of Eastern Avenue, Burnley, had earlier admitted forging a prescription and fraud on October 22nd. She was given a 12-month community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement.

The court earlier heard how Nazurally got a prescription, photocopied it and filled in the details of another person. The pharmacist was suspicious, contacted police and tried to detain her. The defendant left, but was arrested within yards.

Mr David Leach (defending) said Nazurally had never been in trouble before 2002. In 1995, she was in a road accident and was off work for six months. She was given the painkiller coproxamol and after three years realised she was addicted.

She had been told by doctors that the tablets were not addictive but she sought help. Her habit got worse after the death of her sister in a fire in 1999. Mr Leach added that while in prison the defendant had been offered the heroin substitute Methadone and there was no other support or counselling offered to her.