A TAKEAWAY food delivery driver was robbed in his own car by a man seeking money for alcohol, a court heard.

Problem drinker Daniel Joseph Rix was so desperate for cash for alcohol that he jumped into the static vehicle, threatened the driver, appeared to punch him on the nose, and fled having stolen £25 in notes.

Durham Crown Court heard that cctv in the vicinity of the incident, in the Gilesgate area of the city, revealed Rix getting out of the car, waving what appeared to be a £20 note in the air.

Chris Wood, prosecuting, said: “The threat was made to hit the driver who was left with an injury to the nose, while £25 was taken.

“The complainant will be seeking a restraining order as he has been a customer of him from time to time.”

Appearing at a plea hearing at the court, by video link from nearby Durham Prison, the 37-year-old defendant, of Churchill Square, Gilesgate, admitted a charge of robbery, said to have taken place on April 1 this year.

The court was told that it took place only a few weeks after Rix was made subject of an alcohol treatment order.

Ian West, for Rix, told the court: “His problem is alcohol. He was starting to address it at the time.

“It’s been a burden for him. He has a bad record, but I would say this is right at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines for robbery.”

Adjourning for preparation of a pre-sentence report on Rix by the Probation Service, Judge Christopher Prince told him: “Don’t think there will be anything other than a prison sentence, but all options will be covered by the report.”

Rix was remanded to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, on Tuesday May 14.