A MAN has admitted carrying out a bank robbery last month, while hearing “voices” in his head.
Simon Jones left the NatWest branch in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, with £370, after handing a threatening note to an assistant, on Thursday May 17.
Appearing at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court via video link from the city’s nearby prison, the 37-year-old defendant, of Eden Gove, West Auckland, admitted a charge of robbery.
He also admitted taking a Ford Focus without consent and driving it uninsured and unlicensed, on the same day.
Chris Baker, for Jones, asked for preparation of psychiatric report prior to sentencing, as the defendant suffers a personality disorder and reported hearing voices at the time of the offence.
Sentence was adjourned until August 24, until when Jones will remain in custody.
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