A SHOPPER who dropped his money so could not afford to buy the alcohol he wanted stole three bottles of vodka instead, a court heard.

Darlington Magistrates Court heard today (Tuesday, January 14) that drunken 19-year-old Mark Dial went into a post office in Newton Aycliffe with enough money to buy a bottle of WKD alcohol, but dropped some coins before he got to the till.

Dial of Kirkstone Place, Newton Aycliffe, then went behind the counter and stole three bottles of vodka with a combined worth of £74.74.

He pleaded guilty to burglary in court and magistrates adjourned his case for a probation report.

He is due back for sentencing on January 30.