A PRIEST running a drugs rehabilitation charity has called for addicts who fund their habit by committing crime to be spared prison.

Father Jim McCartney, chief executive and founder of Blackburn's Those on the Margins of Society (THOMAS), said prison was a "breeding ground for criminality".

And he added that, in many cases, prisoners' destructive cycle of drug addiction and crime would continue unless they received rehabilitative treatment, which is not compulsory in jail.

Fr McCartney, making the passionate speech at THOMAS's annual awards ceremony in Blackburn town hall yesterday, said: "We must need to lock some people up, obviously. But for those who engage in crime to fund their habits, we need to find alternatives to prison.

"I believe there are two options. The first is that we can make drugs rehabilitation programmes in prison compulsory. The other is to look at people coming into drugs rehabilitation programmes in the community as an alternative.

"But if they leave that programme they should go back to prison with a stiffer sentence."

Fr McCartney said his own organisation, which is used as a national blueprint for other charities and has received praise from Prime Minister Tony Blair, could point the way forward.

For the first time over the past year or so THOMAS is receiving prisoners being let out of jail on a licence to enrol on their drugs rehabilitation programme.

Fr McCartney added: "This gives people an opportunity to look at an alternative lifestyle.

"They still give up their freedom. Our clients aren't allowed out when they are on the residential programme."

He also said that to help their rehabilitation, society needed to stop stigmatising drug addicts and give them support instead.

It was an emotional afternoon at the town hall as 12 people received awards during a ceremony attended by the mayor and mayoress, councillors, prison representatives, police and people connected to THOMAS.

These ranged from eight rehabilitated drug addicts who were getting on with their life by being living independently, working or attending college.

Three helpers at THOMAS also received awards for their dedication. The last award was presented to Fr McCartney for his dedication in running the charity over the past decade.