Here are a few of the people who were sentenced at Newton Aycliffe and Peterlee Magistrates’ courts in recent weeks.

The seven offenders to have been sentenced include a prolific shoplifter, a stalker, drug drivers, and a drug user were among those facing justice.

Tony Deehan, of Galgate, Barnard Castle, pleaded guilty to seven counts of shoplifting from the end of March until the beginning of April this year in a variety of shops in the town. The 45-year-old was also found guilty of carrying a bladed article, a pair of scissors, in the town's Market Place on April 10. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody and ordered to pay almost £250 in compensation to the affected businesses.

James Dowdle, of Frobrisher Street, Hebburn, Pity Me, Durham, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence between October 1 and November 11 last year. The 31-year-old was made subject of an 18-month community order with a mental health treatment attachment and ordered to pay £85 in court costs.

Andrew Bland, of no fixed abode but formerly Shildon, admitted stealing a quantity of pork chops and steak worth £35 on March 18 and six packs of lamb and pork chops from the Co-op worth £40 on March 25. The 42-year-old was ordered to pay £75 in compensation.

Gareth Wilson, of Craddock Street, Bishop Auckland, admitted stalking a woman between Monday, September 11, 2023 and Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Crook. The 37-year-old was made subject of a two-year community order and attend 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

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James Cowie, of Auckland Terrace, Shildon, pleaded guilty to driving with cocaine in his system, driving without a licence and driving without a licence after he was stopped in Ferryhill on January 24 this year. The 27-year-old was banned from driving for 16 months and fined £120. He was also ordered to pay £117 in court costs.

Kris Hunter, of Fox Street, Seaham, County Durham, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine following his arrest on May 6 this year. The 37-year-old was fined £40 and had the drugs seized. He was also ordered to pay £101 in court costs.

Janine Crawford, of Cumbrian Avenue, Chester le Street, pleaded guilty to running off and failing to pay for a £40 taxi ride on New Year's Day. The 32-year-old was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £40 compensation to the taxi firm.

Conor Maddison, of Chiltern Avenue, Chester le Street, pleaded guilty to driving with cocaine in his system and driving without insurance when he was stopped on December 16 last year. The 30-year-old was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £230. He was also ordered to pay £177 in court costs.