A CAR thief was jailed yesterday at Teesside Crown Court after he admitted a string of offences.

Paul Theaker, 22, of Auckland Oval, Darlington committed a large number of crimes when he was drunk, the court heard.

The father of one, who was attending an engineering course, stole two cars from his college lecturer. He also admitted handling a stolen Ford van taken from Mastercare in Newton Aycliffe, interfering with a car in Havelock Street, Darlington, and handling a car that had been stolen from Auckland Avenue, Darlington.

Theaker also admitted driving with excess alcohol, without insurance, driving while disqualified, failing to report an accident and giving a false name to police.

Judge Hewitt said: "You have an addiction to cars. It is a great shame you can't get a responsible job rather than preying on members of the community in Darlington and surrounding areas. I hope you mature and grow out of this juvenile behaviour."

Theaker was sentenced to 18 months in prison and disqualified from driving for three years.

He will have to take an extended driving test before he is allowed to drive again.