THE following cases were heard at Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Courts in the last week.

JAMES LUKE MCSTRAVICK, 23, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in his hometown of Darlington on October 27, of this year. The Lismore Drive resident was discharged conditionally for six months and ordered to pay £22 to fund victim services.

JORDON O’HARA, of Blackhills Road, Horden, assaulted a woman by beating her on February 2, of this year in Peterlee. The 25-year-old changed his plea to guilty and was handed a community order and restraining order banning him from contacting the victim. A day later he was caught in possession of cannabis and on August 18, he also failed to surrender to custody at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

DAMIEN COLIN EYLES, 41, of Brinkburn Road, Darlington, was discharged conditionally for 12 months after he committed fraud between April 10 and April 11. He indicated a plea of guilt and was ordered to pay £57.05 compensation and £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

MICHAEL LESLEY GIBSON, 39, stole a pedal cycle from Chester-le-Street, on July 21 of this year. The Portland Road, Newcastle resident, indicated a plea of guilt and was made to pay £150 compensation. On July 22, he also burgled the Queens Head pub in Chester-le-Street, making off from the scene with £150 worth of alcohol. He now is required to undergo rehabilitation.

LIAM MANSON, 22, was caught with a Stanley knife in a public place on March 12, of this year. The Eskdale Place, Newton Aycliffe resident, indicated a plea of guilt and was handed a community order by the court. Manson was also ordered to pay £90 to fund victim services.

JACK CRIDDLE was fined £80 after he assaulted a police officer on October 26, 2020. Criddle, of Warkworth Way, Darlington, indicated a plea of guilt and was ordered to pay £34 to fund victim services. The 18-year-old was also given an £85 fee to cover court costs.

DANIEL BELL, 18, of Hammond Drive, Darlington, assaulted a police officer on October 4, of this year. He was discharged conditionally for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation. Bell was also made to pay £22 to fund victim services and £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

GARETH RICHARD PYE, of Collingwood Street, Coundon, was handed a community order after he stole scented candles from Boots, in Durham, on September 27, of this year. The 29-year-old indicated a plea of guilt and was ordered to pay £95 to fund victim services and £85 court costs.

GARETH RICHARD PYE, 29, of Collingwood Street, Coundon, was handed a community order after he stole whisky and a bottle of vodka from a shop on July 10, of this year. Pye indicated a plea of guilt and was ordered to pay £33.78 compensation. On May 23, he also stole a bottle of whisky and meat from the Co-Op.

BENJAMIN ASHLEY WILSON was given a 14-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months after he used or threatened violence on July 18, of this year. The 41-year-old indicated a plea of guilt and was made to pay £128 to fund victim services. Wilson, of Ashcroft Gardens, Bishop Auckland, was also ordered to pay £85 court costs.

SYED ALI SHEAR, 18, was fined £40 and given six penalty driving points after he was caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving on July 6, 2020. The Third Street, Horden resident, given a £85 fee to cover court costs.