A FATHER-TO-BE who was supposed to be collecting baby clothes went looking for drugs in a stolen car instead, a court heard.

Matthew Gilligan, whose partner is expected to give birth in the next few days, was seen by police officers in Darlington's Lowson Street, at about 11.50pm, on January 19.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said when he was stopped, he initially gave false details to officers, but was taken to the police station where he admitted who he was.

Jane Scott, mitigating, said Gilligan had spent most of his youth in custody, but had reached a turning point following his partner's pregnancy.

She said: "He was going initially to pick up a Moses basket and some clothing from his sister's but, when his cousin got in the car, he decided to go and get some cannabis."

Gilligan admitted taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, driving while disqualified and with no insurance.

The 25-year-old, of Corbridge Crescent, Darlington, was jailed for 16 weeks and given eight penalty points on his driving licence.