A HEROIN addict avoided jail for stealing a car satellite-navigation system after his lawyer pleaded with magistrates to give him "more demanding" community service.

John Holme, aged 27, of Townsfield Road, Westhoughton, shouted "thanks for the chance" as he was released from the dock at Bolton Magistrates' Court.

Holme, who had 87 previous convictions, admitted stealing the sat-nav equipment from Dr Victor Ogbo's Mercedes E320, parked at Sainsbury's supermarket in Trinity Street.

Security staff saw him smash the window and grab the system before cycling off on February 14.

Police arrested him the following morning at a derelict house in Radcliffe Road, The Haulgh, where he and three other men were sleeping on cushions.

They found the sat-nav system, which Dr Ogbo used for home visits, under his cushion.

The court heard Holme was made the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order in October, banning him from town centre car parks. However, the Sainsbury's car park was outside the ban area.

Magistrate Terry Doherty indicated the bench was considering a four-month jail term.

But Nick Ross, defending, said: "The easy option for an offender like John Holme would be to take prison. He would see his mates, get three meals a day and could go to the gym.

"Sometimes, with relatively short sentences a community order can be far more demanding."

Mr Ross said Holme's partner was expecting their child, he wanted to be a role model for the youngster and was determined to meet the tough challenge of getting off drugs.

"He feels he is at a stage where he wants to commit himself to a fresh start."

Mr Doherty told Holme he was suspending the jail term for 12 months. "You've been very lucky today. This is your last chance," he said.

He ordered Holme undergo drug rehabilitation, pay Dr Ogbo £100 compensation and £43 costs.