PETER Tonie Stafford, of Wear View, Byers Green, Spennymoor, admitted dangerous driving in Willington on July 2 last year when he appeared at Durham Crown Court today (Tuesday, February 18).

The case was adjourned until Monday, March 17 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Stafford was granted unconditional bail.

VAN ARREST: A 25-year-old man has been arrested and cautioned on suspicion of the attempted theft of a catalytic converter from a Mercedes Sprinter van at The Greenway, in Sunderland. The incident happened at about 12.20am on Monday, February 17. Police are investigating whether there is a link to other thefts of catalytic converters from vans overnight on Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11 on Thanet Road, Taunton Square and Avonmouth Road. The man has been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries into these incidents. Witnesses are asked to call Northumbria Police on 101.

COMEDY TIME: The Chortle Student Comedy Award, which helped uncover stars of The Inbetweeners, Plebs and Radio One, will take place at Newcastle University’s Student Union on Sunday, March 2, at 7.30pm. The MC will be Tony Jameson and the competition is open to non-students. Tickets are £5 and £3 for students/concessions.

CUP FINAL SAFETY: Sunderland fans are being advised they face being arrested if found carrying or using pyrotechnics at the Capital One Cup Final, at Wembley, on Sunday, March 2. Pyrotechnic detecting dogs will be on duty at the turnstiles and searches will be carried out if required.

DIESEL STOLEN: About £1,600 of diesel was siphoned from a generator at The Scullery, in Silksworth Lane, Sunderland, between 2.30am and 4.30am on Friday, February 14. Witnesses are asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, ext 69191, quoting reference 616 14/02/14 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.