LOBSTER THIEF: A thief with expensive tastes stole a lobster from Marks and Spencers, Darlington Magistrates Court heard today (Thursday February 20). Paul Lee – of Haughton Green, Darlington – claimed not to remember stealing the dressed lobster, worth £22. However, prosecutor Alan Davison said 35-year-old Lee had told police he had stolen it because he was hungry. Lee pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a shop and will be sentenced following the preparation of reports.

SHOP THEFT: A man recently released from jail stole from a supermarket because his benefits had not been paid. At Darlington Magistrates Court today (Thursday February 20), 39-year-old Mark Anthony Jose – of Oxford Street, Darlington – was ordered to pay £4.87 compensation to the Sainsbury’s store he stole items from. Dominic Tate, mitigating, said the goods had been stolen for his own consumption as he was lacking money.

BIG BAND: The Darlington Big Band, under the leadership of Richard Emmerson, will perform at the Darlington and Simpson Rolling Mills social club, on Longfield Road, on Wednesday, February 26. The performance begins at 8pm and admission is free.

FUNDRAISING EFFORT: The Darlington branch of Furniture Village helped to raise £1,714 to help sufferers of blood cancer. Branches across the country launched a joint fundraising effort to raise money for the Anthony Nolan charity, with customers invited to donate in exchange for enjoying in-store refreshments.

CHARITY JAZZ: Jazz band Sharp Intake will perform traditional songs and modern numbers in Middleton St George next month. The Leeds-based seven piece will play in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society at the Middleton Hall Retirement Village on Saturday March 6. For tickets and information, call 01325 331444.