A MAN who was convicted of child cruelty for breaking wind in a boy's face and sucking his eye has appeared in court again – for more "stupid and irrational behaviour".

Gary McKenzie was said to have been "charging around his Darlington neighbourhood" in a gorilla mask and accusing people he saw of breaking into his home.

The 23-year-old had earlier being causing a nuisance to staff at Sainsbury's on Corporation Road by repeatedly turning up there, Teesside Crown Court heard.

McKenzie faced prison for breaching the suspended sentence he was given in December 2016 for cruelty, and a community order last December for shoplifting and assault.

But a judge gave the roofer a final chance by deferring sentence for three months to see if he can keep out of trouble and comply with the conditions of the orders.

A report from a probation officer said he had done well completing unpaid community work and has a good attitude to employment.

McKenzie thanked Judge Sean Morris for taking a chance on him, and promised to sort himself out.

McKenzie, of Beaumont Hill, Darlington, admitted using threatening and abusive behaviour on February 19, and will learn his fate when he returns to court on July 20.

Judge Morris told him: "I have not made my mind up entirely. It may well be that the time is coming where we just lock you up to teach you a lesson. That's not today, but it may arrive.

"When you come back before me in three months, provided you continue to comply with the community order, cease to be seen in public drunk and remain offence-free, I will not activate the suspended sentence, but if you let me down, then I will."

In 2016, McKenzie was found guilty of two cruelty charges, and cleared of two others – allegations that he punched a boy in the arm and smothering another child with a pillow – and was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

His barrister, Jonathan Walker, described the incidents as "play fighting that went beyond" and "some ugly horseplay".

He said McKenzie has "a profound difficulty with drink" but is taking steps to combat the problems.

"When he gets drunk, he behaves stupidly and irrationally," Mr Walker told Judge Morris. "Putting a gorilla mask on and charging around your neighbourhood accusing people of crimes they had nothing to do with is irrational, but it's a graphic illustration of what alcohol can do.

"There are some positives in this young man, but I dare say Your Honour will cast a sceptical eye on him having heard what you have heard."

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said one of the men targeted in the street was frightened he was going to be attacked; while McKenzie was "wrecked" after two bottles of wine.