A MAN stole vodka and chocolate because medication for his bipolar disorder was not correct, a court has heard.

John Paul Gomersall, of Shildon, admitted stealing two bottles of vodka and two Galaxy chocolate bars from the town’s Morrisons supermarket when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today (October 31).

Prosecutor Claire Brinton said staff saw the 32-year-old, of Church Street, who has previous convictions for shoplifting, putting the items worth £38.78 in his bag on October 16.

Ben Pegman, in mitigation, said Gomersall has significant “mental health difficulties” and cannot remember committing the crime.

He said Gomersall had been in a mental health hospital two weeks before the thefts.

Mr Pegman said his medication for a bipolar disorder was not correct at the time but it has since been altered and Gomersall now feels “a lot better”.

Magistrates ordered Gomersall to pay £100 fine and costs and they gave him a 12-month conditional discharge.