A DRUG addict who found himself in the wrong town at the wrong time was jailed for nine months for trying to break into a house.

David Taylor tried the handle of a door when he was "stoned" but did not go inside, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Taylor, from Darlington, had travelled to Middlesbrough to buy drugs - under pressure from others who used his habit to mould him.

His lawyer, Andrew Turton, said the 26-year-old fled his home town after becoming the victim of "a violent escapade" - and "got lost".

Since being remanded in custody following a trial a fortnight ago, Taylor has become "a changed character", he said.

"He is now at a point where he is able to look more positively on his future, and realise that perhaps this is the best thing that could have happened to him," he solicitor added.

"Spending the last few weeks on remand and trying to his head around his difficulties, and trying to think more positively about the future.

"The future seems far brighter than it did two weeks ago, and hopefully he can use the time available to him in custody to access any support services there may be."

In a report by a probation officer, Taylor was described as "a broken man", the judge Recorder Jamie Hill, QC, was told.

Taylor, whose latest address was Great North Road, Plawsworth, Chester-le-Street, was found guilty of attempted burglary and possessing cannabis.

Mr Recorder Hill told him: "Being drug-free in prison has helped you understand that this can't continue."