A MAN was convicted of burglary after breaking into his girlfriend's home to make sure she was not cheating on him.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard that Christopher Firth, 18, had endured an evening of taunts from his girlfriend over her relationship with another man.

Although she later claimed these were simply jokes, Firth arrived at her home and kicked the door in to check if she was inside with the man. No-one was home.

Firth, of Whitby Way, in the Branksome area of town, pleaded guilty to burglary today.

The student might have faced lesser charges, but because he stole a bottle of cider as he left he now has a a huge blemish on his record, according to his solicitor, Jane Scott.

Prosecuting, David Maddison said Firth had been heavily in drink when the incident happened shortly after 4am.

He had been helping his girlfriend, the mother of his only child, to paint her new home. But an afternoon of bickering turned into an evening of blazing rows, and the pair ended their relationship.

Firth then went on a drinking session before returning in the early hours.

Mr Maddison said: "He returned to the premises and kicked his way in through the rear door. He thought his ex-partner was there with another man. He searched the property, but discovered she wasn't present and took a bottle of cider on the way out."

Miss Scott said Firth had not intended to steal, but had done so on impulse once he had entered the house.

"I hope you agree that this isn't the usual burglary," she added.

Chair of the bench David Williams decided to depart from magistrates' sentencing guidelines in dealing with Firth.

He said: "This was rather an unusual set of circumstances, however you have committed a burglary."

Firth was fined £150, with £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.