Thomas LeBlanc died last year

Thomas was a thief who stole from his friends, his family and his neighbours.

But like hundreds of other heroin addicts, theft was not a matter of choice but a necessity to feed his addiction.

"I was so ashamed to face the neighbours," said his mother.

"I was afraid to face them, but at the same time I wanted to try and let them know that he was sick.

"He wasn't just somebody that was breaking into their houses and taking things they probably worked for all their life.

"I just wanted them to understand that he was ill. And he wouldn't have done it, if he hadn't needed that stuff."

Mrs LeBlanc says the drug got a grip on her son

His story of addiction and crime is repeated on a daily basis in Ballymena.

Local solicitor David McIlrath said that more and more clients were appearing in court on drug-related offences.

"If they're not caught dealing in drugs, or possession of drugs, they're committing crime to feed their habit."

Mrs LeBlanc believes even heroin addicts deserve sympathy and respect.

"Don't turn their backs on them. That's all I ask, don't turn their backs on them," she said.

"They're young kids that's got hooked and they can't get off it and they're crying out for help".