A WOMAN has been given a conditional discharge for begging in Darlington.

Holly Louise Crick, 25, was seen by officers outside the town's BHS store, in Northgate, with a woollen hat on the pavement with coins inside, having been previously warned by police.

Stephen Andrews, mitigating, today (June 20) told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates said while the hat was in front of the defendant there was no suggestion that any member of the public and complained about being asked for money.

He added she was homeless and had problems with her benefits at the time.

Crick, of Gladstone Street, was given a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.