A MAN'S life spiralled into alcoholism and petty crime after he split up with his girlfriend.

Michael James Atkinson, of Station Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft, one of resisting arrest and one of threatening behaviour, at his hearing yesterday.

Darlington magistrates heard that Atkinson, 23, had no criminal record until the end of last year. But after breaking up with his partner, and losing contact with his one-year-old daughter, his life began to fall apart.

Peter Smith, prosecuting, said: "In a police interview, the defendant said he was having personal problems and wanted more alcohol to get drunk, and that's why he stole. In most of these cases he did steal drink."

Atkinson stole bottles of spirits worth £47.86 from a Darlington branch of Morrisons supermarket on March 28, took £30.97 worth of alcohol from the same store on April 20, and a bottle of gin worth £11.99 on May 4.

He also admitted resisting arrest on March 23 after he was stopped by police for a public order offence, and a charge of failing to attend court on April 12.

Stephen Andrews, mitigating, said: "The offences came about after he and his partner separated, and he was prevented from seeing his daughter. He didn't have the wherewithal to cope with that and he turned to drink.

"He is now addressing his alcohol problem. He has spoken to his partner and she has indicated that if he can demonstrate a willingness to stay off the drink there is some hope for them."

The case was adjourned until June 21 for pre-sentence reports.