POLICE had to subdue a man with CS gas in school grounds, Harrogate magistrates were told yesterday.

Mark Coombes, 30, pleaded guilty to theft, resisting police and criminal damage to a window at the home he shares with a partner in King Edward Road, Ripon.

Coombes' solicitor Peter Olley said he had personal problems which only he could resolve. He said Coombes had stolen because he needed a drink but did not have the money to buy any.

When police arrived to arrest him he refused to get in their van because he suffered from claustrophobia.

Joseph Spencer, prosecuting, said Coombes was found slumped in the grounds of Moorside School, in Harrogate Road, Ripon.

He wanted to smoke before getting into the vehicle but had no tobacco. After several minutes of persuasion failed to get him into the van Coombes became violent and was subdued with the CS gas.

He was remanded on bail until May 28 while probation and psychiatric reports are prepared.