The former Washington detective who went on several shoplifting sprees blamed mental health problems for the thefts.

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Adrian Warren Ingram stole drink from a convenience store, electrical and other goods from shops in York, and more drink from a branch of Marks and Spencer.

When Ingram was caught he told police he had bipolar disorder – formerly called manic depression – which made him act strangely.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court Ingram's first offence was in July, 2007, when he walked out of a Spar shop in Darlington without paying for £6.87 of goods.

"Among the items taken were two cans of lager and a bottle of Frosty Jack cider," added Mr Newcombe.

"The next offence happened in February of this year at York when Ingram visited and stole from seven stores, including Marks and Spencer, BHS, a Zavvi music store and HMV."

"Security guards at HMV became suspicious and stopped him as he left.

"They found him to be carrying stolen goods from the other shops including champagne, MP3 players and bottles of spirits.

"The goods had an estimated value of just under £500 and Ingram admitted straight away he had taken the items."

Ingram's last offence was carried out in Marks and Spencer in Darlington.

"Security staff saw him take two bottles of spirits off the shelf and hide these in a bag he was carrying," Mr Newcombe said.

The Echo understands Ingram had been based at Washington police station until about a year ago. He had worked as a detective constable.

Ingram, 41, of School House Yard, Darlington, admitted theft on July 17 last year, and theft on February 24 and July 16 this year.

Brian Russell, defending, said: "Mr Ingram spent 21 years serving the community and has had an awesome fall from grace.

"He has resigned from the police force and is now living on benefits.

"When he was first diagnosed with his mental illness, he thought it was unmanly and didn't take his medication and took drink instead.

"He now realises he must take his medication and not drink in order to keep his condition stable and stop him doing bizarre things in future."

Judge Michael Cartlidge conditionally discharged Ingram for 12 months and told him: "You have this mental illness, but that is not an excuse to go stealing from shops.

Ingram was told to pay £200 costs.