A WOMAN who was arrested went on to vandalise the police van she was in by writing her name on the seat, a court heard yesterday.

Her solicitor told Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday : "It was not the most sophisticated crime."

Emma Margaret Richards, 21, of Salisbury Terrace, Darlington, admitted criminal damage.

David Madison, prosecuting, said Richards was one of two women arrested in the early hours of Saturday, August 11.

Both wrote their names on the seats.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating, said Richards had been drinking but expressed remorse for her behaviour. She made full admissions to police.

Magistrates fined her £50, and made her pay £43 costs, plus a £15 victim support charge.