A Man who stole a cheque from his girlfriend has been jailed for nine months.

Jose Fancisco Escobar Cortez, 27, was having a relationship with the estranged wife of a village store owner, in Dipton, near Stanley.

When the relationship was coming to an end in April 2003, he took an old business cheque book from the woman's jewellery box and it was paid into his friend's account.

Within a week of clearing, £6,422 was acquired in cash point withdrawals.

Brian Mark, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court that the man who paid it into his account and withdrew the money said he was paid £120 for his role by Cortez.

Mr Mark said Cortez initially denied stealing the cheque and claimed he was given it by the store owner's estranged wife.

Cortez, whose previous address was in Elliott Terrace, Washington, later admitted theft of the cheque.

Richard Bloomfield, for Cortez, said the business has not suffered as the bank involved has met the loss.

He said the Ecuador-born defendant, who has been in custody since the incident, faces immigration issues on his release.

Judge Richard Lowden described the theft as mean and despicable and jailed him for nine months.

He said it would have no effect on the ensuing immigration proceedings involving Cortez.