AN 18-year-old man was in court yesterday after he took the law into his own hands when he chased a suspected thief.

Stewart Richards was at a party in Deanwood Close, Willington, when he and another male became suspicious that a third guest had stolen a mobile phone.

Toby Thomas, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, said the two men went to the suspect's home armed with pieces of wood.

He said when they tried to confront him, the defendant was aggressive towards a middle-aged women who answered the door.

"They both left the premises but this defendant smashed the window of a car as he did," Mr Thomas said.

Andrew Clinton, mitigating, said that because of his client's status, on remand in respect of other matters, the court's options were limited.

Richards, of Birch Drive, Willington, Crook, admitted criminal damage, affray and possession of an offensive weapon, on February 3. He was given a three-year conditional discharge.