THE following cases were heard at Darlington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 2). All addresses are Darlington.

MEAT STOLEN: Robert Thompson, 28, of Portland Place, was ordered to pay £90 compensation after stealing nine joints of meat from a town centre Co-op store on April 7. His solicitor, Stephen Andrews, said Thompson had been drunk when the offence was committed.

CHARGES DENIED: Daniel Peel, 27, of Major Street, Darlington, denied possessing amphetamine and cannabis with intent to supply. Magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will be transferred to crown court. It was adjourned for a committal hearing on June 27.

WARRANT ISSUED: Lisa Burnside, 38, of Beaconsfield Street, failed to appear on time for her hearing. She had earlier admitted stealing aftershave, face packs and lip balm from Boots and the case had been adjourned for a pre-sentence report. Magistrates issued a warrant for her arrest.

DRUNK DRIVER: Carer Robert Barnes, 56, of Quaker Lane, admitted drink-driving on April 23. He was found to have 83mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg. He was banned from driving for 18 months, which will be reduced by four months if he completes a rehabilitation course, with a £170 fine, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

OFF ROAD: Stonemason Mariusz Majerski, 36, of Brignall Moor Crescent, admitted drink driving on April 13. He was found to have 74mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. A repeat offender, he was banned for three years, with a £260 fine, £85 costs and £26 (correct) victim surcharge. The ban will be reduced by nine months if he completes a drink-driver rehabilitation course, at his own expense, within a certain time limit.