A MAN breached his anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by entering an off-licence and stealing lager a day after he was released from prison, a court heard yesterday.

Graham Peter Nelson, 24, of no fixed address, faces being locked up after he stole packs of Grolsch lager from Booze Busters, in Darlington, on October 16 and 17.

South Durham Magistrates' Court was told Nelson had only been released from prison on October 15 and is still on licence until January 13.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, said Nelson was in breach of an Asbo that prohibited him from entering the store.

He said: "He has been charged with burglary because he entered the store twice and had no permission to be there."

Nelson pleaded guilty to two charges of trespassing in Booze Busters and stealing a ten-pack and a 15-pack of Grolsch, and admitted breaching his Asbo.

Steven Andrews, in mitigation, said his client was in a cycle of being released from prison, finding himself homeless, turning to drink and ending up in jail again. He said Nelson was living in a bail hostel in Middlesbrough and trying to turn his life around.

He said: "He has been for two job interviews and has not had a drink for two weeks. Nor has he touched any other illegal substance, which has been a problem in the past."

Magistrates in Darlington adjourned sentencing until November 16 for a report.