A TEENAGER stole a basket full of food and alcohol worth £115 after leaving an Aldi store via a fire door.

Leon Kergan Kennedy appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 26, charged with two counts of theft.

The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to stealing from Aldi in Peterlee on February 13 and from Maxwell’s DIY in Peterlee on March 16 when he took two power drills worth £160.

He pleaded guilty to both, along with another three separate theft offences he asked the court to consider.

Jaxon Taylor, representing the teenager, said he had taken the drills out of desperation after falling out with his mother.

District Judge Helen Cousins said: “I am told that you have said you have learned your lesson, except you have offended in January, February and March. That does not sound like it does it.”

Kennedy, of Close Street, Horden, was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation of £160 to Maxwell’s DIY and £115 Aldi.