A MAN who had never been in trouble until he touched his first drop of alcohol aged 30 racked up a string of convictions in six months.

Amin Hussein, 31, has been prosecuted this year for shoplifting three times, handling stolen goods, being drunk and disorderly, assault and a public order offence.

His barrister, Paul Abrahams, told Teesside Crown Court yesterday that he is a Muslim who arrived in the UK from Somalia in 2009 and had never drunk.

He said Hussein was prescribed medication for depression which did not seem to work, and a friend suggested alcohol was a good way to beat the blues.

Mr Abrahams said: "The offending escalated from there."

Hussein, of Outram Street, Middlesbrough, appeared in court yesterday after he admitted assault and possessing an offensive weapon on May 20.

Judge Howard Crowson adjourned sentencing for three weeks so an assessment can bemade to see if he is suitable for a place at a probation hostel.