AN alcoholic who stole food from shops after spending all his money on drinks appeared in court yesterday.

Stuart Oliver, 27, of Hambleton Road, Coundon, pleaded guilty at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday to four counts of theft, failing to surrender to custody and breaching a conditional discharge.

Among the items Oliver stole were a pack of sandwiches costing £1.80 and a £2.89 box of beefburgers, as well as a bottle of WKD alcohol and a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey.

Gwen Burnett, mitigating, said Oliver suffered from severe alcoholism and argued he should not be remanded in custody.

She said: "It's a very sad state of circumstances because what he's stealing is not more alcohol, it's sandwiches as he simply didn't have any money left for food.

"He shouldn't be remanded in custody for offences at such a low level.

"It would cause him great distress, both physically and mentally. I don't think I can really exaggerate the situation, I don't think he could cope with the situation."

Magistrates granted Oliver, bail but with a number of conditions.

His case was adjourned until November 1 for sentencing at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.