A 21-year-old man who stole money from his dad has been banned from speaking to his parents for nine months.



James Ian Clapperton withdrew £600 within hours of obtaining his dad’s bank card,  Blackburn magistrates heard.



The court heard that he used the money to pay for the drug known as meow meow.



The court heard that in the past Clapperton had stolen jewellery from his mother, used one of their credit cards to finance a £2,000 holiday in Turkey and used vehicle log books to fraudulently obtain loans.



His parents decided it was the last straw and asked the court to impose a restraining order to keep him away from them.



Clapperton, of Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to theft of a debit card and £600 belonging to Larry Clapperton.



He was made subject to community supervision for 12 months with a six months drug rehabilitation requirement, and ordered to pay £250 compensation.



He was also made subject to a restraining order for nine months which bans him from having any contact with his parents, Larry and Jeanette Clapperton, or entering  the street where they live in Oswaldtwistle.



Mr Wilde said: “They have had enough and have requested a restraining order to keep their son away from them.”



He said Mr Clapperton had been watching TV with his son and there was a discussion about wallets.



The son asked to look at his dad’s wallet to compare it with his and only had it in his hand for a few seconds. Mr Wilde added: “Because of previous problems Mr Clapperton looked in his wallet to check his card was still there.



“It was only when he went to use it the following day he realised it was his son’s debit card in his wallet and his was missing.”



Bernard Horne, defending, said Clapperton had developed a mephedrone habit and was spending up to £150 a week on the drug.



He added:  “Initially it was his spare cash that went on the drug, then all his cash and then money he didn’t have.



“The realisation of what he has done is sinking in and he was surprised when I told him his parents had requested a restraining order.



“He believes that when his parents hear he is receiving help they will let him come home.”



Imposing the restraining order the magistrates said they felt sorry for his parents for what they had gone through.



“We hope the measures we have put in place will help you appreciate just how badly you have treated them,” said the chairman.