A BURGLAR broke into a doctor’s flat and stole his macaroni cheese lunch, a court heard.

Andrew Brandon Lawson entered the accommodation in Darlington late on Monday evening before helping himself to the cheese dish and a chilli con carne.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court also heard that Lawson, 40, stole a plank of wood.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: “At approximately 11.20pm the property, which is being used by a doctor working at Darlington Memorial Hospital, was entered by the defendant.

“He has gone into the communal area and taken the lunch. He has then also taken a plank of wood which was used to secure a door.”

Lawson, of Wordsworth Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary theft and another of criminal damage relating to an incident involving a mobile phone on September 22.

A report from Probation said Lawson was released from prison on licence on September 8.

Christine Ramshaw, chair of the bench, gave Lawson a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered him to pay £90 compensation for the damaged mobile phone.