AN 18-year-old man who hit a hairdresser after damaging a gate in front of his shop in Stockton Road, Darlington, was given a two-year community rehabilitation order and told to pay £50 in compensation yesterday.

Khalid Dowd, of Charles Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and common assault at Darlington Magistrates' Court. He told police he was an alcoholic and was drunk at the time of the attack, on December 3.

GUILTY PLEA: A man who admitted stealing two bottles of whisky from a supermarket was given a two-year community rehabilitation order yesterday. Christopher Balogh, 33, of Eskdale Street, Darlington, also pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates Court to stealing a pair of boots from Boyes Stores and receiving a stolen mobile phone.

BAN LIFTED: Magistrates in Darlington agreed yesterday to allow a disqualified motorist begin driving again - a month before his ban was due to be lifted. Gavin Beagle, of Thompson Street West, Darlington, was given a two-and-a-half year ban for drink-driving in September 2000.