ADDICT'S CHANCE TO BEAT DRUGS.

A JUDGE who branded cannabis as a dangerous drug has given a drug addict a
chance to beat his addiction.

Judge Paul Downes had heard at Norwich Crown Court how Karl Lambe, 28, of
Cambridge Street, Norwich, had been put into care at the age of 14, starting
with cannabis and then using amphetamines and, by the age of 24, moving on
to heroin, methodone and cocaine.

His counsel said at the time that Lambe had realised he could spend the rest
of his life in and out of prison and he wanted help to get of drugs.

Judge Downes last month had called for those trying to legalise the use of
cannabis to look at this case.

He said then: "This shows that cannabis is a dangerous drug. One starts on
this and progresses to harder drugs."

The court had heard how Lambe had broken into a young woman's flat and
stolen some items.

He admitted three thefts, a burglary, receiving stolen goods and possessing
a knife.

Lambe had been remanded in custody to be sentenced yesterday.

The court heard he had been accepted at a rehabilitation centre.

Judge Downes put him on probation for two years on condition he spends a
year at the centre.

He told him: "We will be taking a chance with you."

Angela Rafferty, for Lambe, said he was extremely enthusiastic and there had
already been a change in him.

Checked-by: Don Beck