THE following cases were heard by District Judge Kristina Harrison, sitting at Darlington Magistrates' Court:

DRUG POSSESSION: Roger Gilardi, 46, of Murrayfield Way, Darlington, pleaded guilty to possession a class A drug, heroin, which also put him in breach of a conditional discharge. In mitigation, Nick Woodhouse said Gilardi had found himself a new flat and was attempting to get his life back on track. He was ordered to pay a £110 fine, as well as a £20 victim surcharge and £40 costs. No action was taken on the breach of the conditional discharge and the drugs were forfeited and destroyed.

MEAT THEFT: Martin Long, 51, of Carlton Close, Stockton, admitted stealing meat worth £41.52 from Marks and Spencer at an earlier hearing and returned to court for sentencing. The offence also put him in breach of a conditional discharge. Judge Harrison imposed a nine-month community order with supervision. He was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £40 costs.