AN unemployed man said he was embarrassed after he stole a bottle of vodka from his local shop.

Darren McPhee stole the £8.99 bottle from a McColl’s store near his home in Dickinson Street, Darlington, on the evening of November 5.

John Garside, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, said McPhee told police in an interview that he was embarrassed by the theft as he visits the store daily to buy his newspaper as well as sweets for his children.

Mr Garside added: "He said he would apologise to staff who he knows very well."

The 32-year-old, who represented himself at court, admitted the theft, which put him in breach of a conditional discharge imposed on October 9.

Hilary Payne, of the Probation Service, said the defendant had been to a party and was drunk when he committed the offence, and that he had been taking steps to control his drinking.

Magistrates sentenced McPhee to a 12-month community order, with 60 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £8.99 in compensation.