A DRUG user threatened to smash the windows at his dad's house if he didn't give him some money.

Blackburn magistrates heard Darren Atkin later admitted making the threat and told the police if they hadn't turned up he would have carried it out.

Atkin asked the magistrates to send him to prison to help him et clean of drugs but the legal advisor, Alex Mason, told the magistrates; "The prison service is not a hotel for the benefit of defendants and you must sentence this offence on its merits."

Atkin, 42, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to threatening to damage property belonging to Alfred Atkin. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months after the magistrates heard he had been recalled on prison licence until December 7.

Drew Barrow, prosecuting, said Mr Atkin was at home when he heard banging on the front door at 9 am.

"His son was standing outside, hammering on the door and shouting that he wanted money," said Mr Barrow. "He said if he didn't get money he was going to smash all the windows."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said after being released from his last prison sentence Atkin had been found accommodation in Preston and had been doing well.

"He was on a methadone prescription and moving in the right direction," said Mr Taylor. "He was moved onto Subutex which wasn't as strong in combatting his addiction and succumbed to temptation. He started on drugs again and things quickly spiralled out of control."

Mr Taylor said Atkin gravitated back to the Rossendale area where his family live and where the offence was committed.

"From his point of view he would be grateful if he could receive an immediate custodial sentence," said Mr Taylor. "I have advised him that it is not up to him to choose his sentence but he feels a return to prison would give him time to get off drugs again and try and gain some control of his life once more."