AN alcoholic who begged a policeman to arrest him was convicted yesterday - for resisting arrest.

Magistrates heard that Darren Lee Foster had started drinking after a court appearance on July 4, in which he admitted stealing money from an 83-year-old woman he used to care for.

The 23-year-old was told he would be jailed for the theft and the case was referred to Teesside Crown Court for sentencing.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that Foster turned up in the rear yard of Darlington police station after a drinking session later the same day and confronted an officer.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said: "He was clearly drunk and he said he wanted to be arrested.

"When the officer tried to calm him down, he threatened to damaged a police car. He then started to be abusive and grabbed a hold of a door handle on a nearby car."

Foster, of Cobden Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to drunk and disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest.

"It's bizarre that he should go to a police station asking to be arrested and then be charged with resisting arrest," said, Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating.

"He knew he was going to jail anyway - he was basically saying let's get it over with now. He is remorseful."

Magistrates gave Foster a conditional discharge. He is expected to be jailed when he appears at Teesside Crown Court on charges of theft later this month.