A THIEF who grabbed a shop assistant before breaking an alarm has appeared at court.

Scott Andrew Davison faced magistrates sitting at Newton Aycliffe on Wednesday for charges of theft, criminal damage and common assault.

Paul Doney, prosecuting, said the 31-year-old is a known shoplifter and was followed by a member of staff after entering Superdrug in Chester-Le-Street.

He said: "He took exception to being followed and became verbally abusive before grabbing the shop assistant by the arm. He then grabbed a security scanner and forcefully pulled it to the ground."

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to all charges which took place on January 20.

Paul Donohue, mitigating, said his client was homeless and stole to feed himself.

Davison, of no fixed abode, was recalled to prison as the offences were committed whilst on licence.

He was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to Superdrug and £100 compensation to the shop assistant.