A MAN who stole two security alarms from a DIY store told a court he did not know why he had done it.

Neil Craig, 38, from Beechgrove Road in Newcastle pleaded guilty at Darlington magistrates court to stealing a lamp, two security lamps and some bathroom accessories from B&Q, Whessoe Road in Darlington.

The court heard that a customer told the store manager that Craig had taken the goods worth £159 and he was chased into the car park where he was apprehended and the police were called..

In his defence Craig said: "I was half-drunk but I know that is no excuse.

"I did not need the stuff and would not have been able to sell it because it was just bathroom stuff."

Craig was given a six month conditional discharge and was ordered to attend a means inquiry in January so the amount of any costs could be judged