A TEENAGE girl from Darlington has pleaded guilty to shoplifting, handling stolen goods and criminal damage.

The 15-year-old, who can not be identified for legal reasons, admitted the charges at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The youth stole a jumper from Bay Trading and a pair of trousers from Internacionale.

She was also caught by police officers in possession of a pair of ear-rings believed to have been stolen by her friend.

After being interviewed, the girl was placed in a police cell, which she damaged by etching her name into the walls and bench causing more than £100 worth of damage.

The youth was given a 12-month referral order and told to pay £30 in compensation.

The court heard the girl could offer no explanation as to why she stole the items, but said she may have been encouraged by her friend.

Chairman of the bench, Eric Fell, told the girl: "This is what happens when you take things that don't belong to you. If you continue to go about shoplifting or damaging property that doesn't belong to you, you will find yourself in more serious trouble."