Darlington drug addict was caught carrying a knuckleduster

Leanne Bexfield was caught on CCTV trying the handles on vehicles as she walked along Woodlands Terrace in Darlington in the early hours of April 16.

The 36-year-old was also found to be in possession of a number of stolen medical equipment including a blood pressure machine, thermometer and pulsometer, following her crime spree.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard how the 36-year also had a quantity of drugs hidden in her underwear when she was searched at the police station.

Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, said Bexfield was spotted trying the handles of a Volkswagen ID3 and a Renault Capture before she was arrested after stealing key fob and lanyard from a parked van.

Bexfield, of Elmfield Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to two charges of vehicle interference, theft from a vehicle, possession of an offensive weapon, handling stolen goods and possession of a Class C drug.

Stephen Hamill, mitigating, said his client had recently relapsed and started taking drugs after she was released from prison.

He said: “She was released on licence before being recalled and served quite a considerable time in prison before eventually being released.

“She had made quite a bit of progress and had got herself into a position where she was drug free and prescription drug free.

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“She moved back to the Darlington area, unfortunately she has since relapsed.”

Mr Hamill said Bexfield had found the knuckleduster in one of the vehicles she had targeted that night and didn’t realise it was an offence to have it in her pocket.

District Judge Steven Hood adjourned the sentence until May 30 to allow time for the probation service to compile a report on the defendant.

He said: “It is a shame as you had got yourself out of prison and had been offence free until you relapsed.”