Dale Hutchinson, of High Street, Willington, admitted six counts of shop theft when he appeared at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on August 3. The offences took place between February 22 and April 20, involving thefts from Home Bargains, Morrisons, Lidl, and Co-Op stores across Barnard Castle. The stolen goods including food, drink, lager, chocolates, and a can of Jack Daniels. Hutchinson was ordered to pay a total of £63.78 in compensation for the stolen items, with payments to be made in full within 14 days. His guilty pleas were taken into account when sentencing.