A HEROIN addict who committed a string of offences has today been given the chance to receive help for his drug problem.Simon Thurlow, 30, was today made the subject of a 12-month drug treatment and testing order after he wrote a letter to Ipswich Crown Court judge Nicholas Beddard asking for the chance to kick his drug habit once and for all.

A HEROIN addict who committed a string of offences has today been given the chance to receive help for his drug problem.

Simon Thurlow, 30, was today made the subject of a 12-month drug treatment and testing order after he wrote a letter to Ipswich Crown Court judge Nicholas Beddard asking for the chance to kick his drug habit once and for all.

Thurlow's parents also wrote a letter to the court expressing their support for their son if he was given help with his drug problem.

Thurlow of Henslow Road, Ipswich was sentenced for two offences of possessing heroin, one offence of possessing crack cocaine, one offence of theft, three offences of handling stolen goods, three attempted thefts and permitting premises to be used for smoking drugs.

Sentencing Thurlow Judge Beddard said he would be tested three times a week to make sure he wasn't taking drugs and would be subject to a monthly review of his progress.

The judge said that if the order was successful both Thurlow and the public would benefit.

Peter Gare prosecuting said that Thurlow had either pleaded guilty to the offences before the court or had been committed for sentence by the magistrates for them.

He said that police officers who searched a flat that Thurlow had been living in Bramford Road, Ipswich, found crack cocaine worth £12 and heroin with a street value of between £50 and £150.

He admitted he had allowed friends to smoke drugs in his flat.

He also admitted buying three CD players knowing they were stolen and stealing a CD player from a parked car.