THREE women who got drunk during a late night lock-in at a pub and later took a man's car appeared in court yesterday.

The women were charged with a number of motoring offences after being stopped by police in Newton Aycliffe - 25 miles from where they had been drinking with Alan Milne, of Barnard Castle, in his local pub The Three Horseshoes.

South Durham Magistrates' Court heard that mothers Leanne Cowell, 26, and Jeanette Scott, 25, and a 17-year-old girl, all from Sunderland, were at the pub until 4.30am, on July 29, last year, with Mr Milne and bar manager Stephen Foster.

Hari Jandoo, prosecuting, said: "The drink was flowing and the five people all enjoyed each other's company."

He said that at one point in the night, Mr Milne wore a pair of knickers belonging to Ms Scott on his head and later went down to the cellar area with one of the group.

The court heard Mr Milne had invited the defendants back to his house but they declined his offer.

However, they managed to get hold of his car keys and took the vehicle.

Shirlie Duckworth, defending, said the women began to feel uncomfortable and uneasy with the much older man.

Police were notified of the theft and stopped Cowell, who was driving the car, in McMillan Road, Newton Aycliffe, at about 5.30am. All three women were arrested and yesterday changed their pleas to guilty.

Cowell was fined £140 for taking the car without Mr Milne's consent, driving without insurance and driving while under the influence of drink. She was disqualified for 12 months and ordered to pay £41 compensation and £70 costs.

Scott and the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were fined £80 for travelling in the car and will also pay £41 compensation and £70 costs.