RECENT cases at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court include: Margaret Briggs, 51, of Boltby, Thirsk, admitted to failing to notify Hambleton District Council that she was working while receiving council tax and housing benefits and failing to notify Department of Work and Pensions while receiving job seekers allowance. She was fined £200, and ordered to pay compensation of £4,449.61.

Richard Lawrence Cooper, 37, of Mowbray Crescent, Bedale, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog. He was ordered to follow a thinking skills programme, has to pay a victim surcharge of £60, and costs of £300.

Lee Phillip Thomas Butler, 19, of Willance Grove, Richmond, admitted to theft from Boots in Richmond, and to failing to surrender to custody. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Alan Peckitt, 63, of Borrowby, Thirsk, was found guilty of touching a child in a sexual manner. He was given a restraining order, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60, and costs of £600. He was given a supervision requirement for three years, is required to register with Northallerton Police Station for five years and is required to attend a sexual offenders' treatment programme for 36 sessions.

Gavin Scaife, 35, of St Mary's Way, Thirsk, admitted to disorderly behaviour while drunk. He was fined £150, and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

David John Murray, 61, of Hambleton Place, Thirsk, admitted to driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was fined £110, and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.