DISTURBANCE: A drunken man who continually shouted and swore in a Darlington street and resisted arrest has appeared in court. Jonathan Evans, 21, of North Road, Darlington, was celebrating his birthday on September 25 but began causing a scene on High Northgate after being punched in the face. He refused to co-operate when police arrived and at Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, October 10) he admitted being drunk and disorderly and resisting arrest. He was given an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 in court charges.

SHOPLIFTING: An expectant mother has admitted stealing alcohol and meat. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Thursday, October 10) that Lynda Dodsworth, 27, of Victoria Road, Darlington, stole around £40 worth of lamb chops and sirloin steaks from Sainsbury’s and took a £6.99 bottle of cherry Sidekick from Premier Stores. The court heard Dodsworth stole the meat to sell after losing all her money gambling. Magistrates gave her a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay £26.99 compensation plus a £15 victim surcharge.