A YOUNG mother scratched a shopkeeper when he tried to stop her stealing cider.

Aimee McGhee, 24, went into Baldish Singh's store in Haughton Road, Darlington, and asked him for credit on a £3.99 bottle of Frosty Jacks cider on August 31.

After Mr Singh refused, McGhee picked up the cider and attempted to leave the store, before scratching him and pushing him out of her way.

Blair Martin, prosecuting at Darlington Magistrates' Court, said: "The 56-year-old shopkeeper said he was shaken by this incident. She was a regular customer and he was disappointed in her behaviour.

"When she was interviewed, she showed a lack of remorse for her actions and said that she could normally get credit and became agitated when she could not."

Steven Andrews, mitigating for McGhee, of Hundens Lane, Darlington, said: "She is a single mother who has lost her good character today.

"Her two children have started to ask questions about why they cannot go into their local shop and she has had to answer them truthfully.

"She is deeply ashamed."

McGhee, who pleaded guilty to theft and assault, received two 12-month conditional discharges. She was also ordered to pay £3.99 compensation to Mr Singh for the theft and £50 compensation for the assault.