TWO drug addicts who committed more than 100 crimes between them have appeared in court for burgling a house.

The thieves were caught by a police officer attending an unrelated call at a neighbouring home in Louisa Street, Darlington.

Gareth James Buckton and Ian Cullen pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates’ Court yesterday to entering the house and stealing a laundry basket, bread bin, mirror and cutlery on May 18.

Buckton, 27, also admitted possessing amphetamines, and Cullen, 34, pleaded guilty to possession of diazepam.

The two, both of Dickinson Street, Darlington, arrived in court intoxicated.

Buckton had to be reprimanded on separate occasions for his behaviour by his solicitor, Sean Grainger, and the court legal advisor.

When in court, he: ● Began tapping the microphone on the dock in front of him and shouting “testing, testing, one, two, three”.

● Made suggestive remarks to a young woman sitting with the Probation Service as he entered the court, an act he repeated when he left.

● As David Maddison, prosecuting, outlined the case, Buckton appeared to be falling asleep, and at one point had his chin resting on the dock before he banged his head sharply against it several times.

Mr Maddison told the court that Buckton had 38 similar offences on his record.

Cullen had 76 previous convictions.

Mr Maddison said the female police officer saw Buckton passing the items through a broken window to Cullen outside.

He said: “The premises in question had been vacated by the previous tenant about four weeks earlier.”

He said the items taken had been left by the tenant.

Graeme Hunsley, on behalf of Cullen, said his client was on a methadone programme.

Magistrates adjourned the case until July 9 for reports.