A MAN going through financial difficulties stole more than £150 worth of DIY equipment to sell on for cash.

Simon Kernan, of Ann's Terrace, Darlington, pleaded guilty to the theft from the town’s B&M Home Store after being witnessed trying to leave the shop without paying for any goods.

John Garside, prosecuting in Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, said: “The theft is very straightforward – the property has been recovered and he’s been caught on CCTV and the shop detective witnesses him taking the items.

“He’s been detained outside the shop.”

The 38-year-old was apprehended with £163.93 worth of tools on August 7.

Kernan’s solicitor stated the offence was the result of grief and a lack of income.

Stephen Andrews, mitigating, said: “In relation to this particular offence, about a year ago he was faced with a tragic set of circumstances.

“His mum and dad live in Pooley Bridge and a fire burnt the house down.

“Fortunately, his mum was okay, but his dad died and since then he’s really struggled to come to terms with this and he’s had a short spell in West Park.

“He has recently been discharged and tells me that now he’s much more stable and he has the option of self-referral.

“Having been released from a period in West Park, his benefits were literally all over the place because he hasn’t been claiming during that time.

“He’d been taken out of society effectively during this period in West Park and he had no money and that was at the heart of this offence.”

Kernan was fined £40 and ordered to pay £115 in costs.