A 29-YEAR-OLD man applied for two credit cards in his friend's estranged wife's name, a court heard yesterday.

Craig Malcolm was warned by magistrates he could face prison when he is sentenced.

Malcolm, of Pinewood Close, Newton Aycliffe, pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates' Court to two counts of making false credit card applications and two counts of theft, totalling £3,452.58.

The court heard that Malcolm had moved in with his friend, Jason Abbott, in Moorfield Close, Darlington, to help pay the bills after Mr Abbott's wife had left.

While Mr Abbott was on holiday, Malcolm applied online for credit cards in his wife's name.

Claire Whelpdale, mitigating, said: "It was mere stupidity. He can't understand why he did it."

Malcolm has previous convictions for similar offences and was told he could be jailed when he is sentenced on May 29.

Chairman of the bench Patricia Baker said: "This was intentional and you knew what you were doing." Malcolm was given conditional bail.