A TEENAGER whose car was seized by police threatened garage staff with a baton after they refused to return it, a court heard.

Police seized a car belonging to Thomas Elick Smith, of Burma Road, Darlington, after he was charged with stealing fuel from petrol stations in Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill.

Vickie Wilson, prosecuting told Newton Aycliffe magistrates that said the 19-year-old had visited Darlington Car and Commercials to retrieve his vehicle on November 5.

When staff told him he could not have his car because he had not brought the correct documents, Smith became aggressive.

“He headed to an area where he wasn’t allowed to go and a member of staff put a hand on the defendant’s arm to prevent him going any further," she added.

“The defendant produces an extended baton known as an asp. He says he is not afraid to use it as he has used it on a police officer the night before.”

Smith pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and common assault.

He also admitted four charges of making off without paying for diesel, worth a total of £84, between Tuesday, September 30, and Saturday, November 1.

Jonathan Harley, mitigating, said the production of the baton effectively ended the incident.

“Almost immediately after the comment is made he calms down and gets a bit upset,” he added.

Magistrates decided their sentencing powers were insufficient and committed the case to Teesside Crown Court on a date to be fixed. Smith received conditional bail.