A self-confessed former heroin addict has avoided prison after pleading guilty to assault and burglary.
Lee Haswell, 19, of Tweed Road, Spennymoor, appeared before Newton Aycliffe magistrates yesterday - and was told a prison sentence would not teach him the error of his ways. Instead, he was given a rehabilitation order for a year, 50 hours' community punishment and must pay £110 compensation.
The assault occurred on December 8, when he threw a single punch at his victim.
The burglary took place on February 15, when he broke into a former girlfriend's flat and stole a DVD player, a collection of videos and a toy.
Haswell also pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to surrender to custody.
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