A Darlington woman stole a reveller's handbag and mobile phone during a drunken night out, a court heard.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, told Darlington Magistrates' Court that police were called to the Atomic pub, in the town's Houndgate, on July 9 at about 11.50pm after a drinker reported her handbag had been stolen.

Officers spoke to a group of girls, including Laura Hodgson, 19, who was seen to pick up something from the floor and place items within the seat where she was sitting.

Police searched the area and recovered a mobile phone that belonged to the complainant.

On her way to the police station Hodgson was seen to drop a package, which on examination by officers contained 17.6g of cannabis resin and £10-worth of amphetamine sulphate.

Hodgson, of Lansdowne Street, pleaded guilty to theft and possession of cannabis and amphetamine sulphate.

Callum Terry, mitigating, said Hodgson could not remember anything about the night after drinking alcohol and taking sleeping pills she had been prescribed.

He said she had mental health issues and was a vulnerable person.

"Laura is a troubled young girl," he said. "She is actively seeking treatment."

Magistrates sentenced Hodgson to a 12-month community rehabilitation order, ordered her to pay £29 compensation and £60 costs, and that the drugs be destroyed.