Court Round-up: Driver banned for failing to provide breath specimen

Mark De-Costa, 42, of Harle Close, Houghton, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath, when being suspected of having driven a vehicle, on January 2. He was fined £120 and was told to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and prosecution costs of £85.

He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 16 months.

Susan Froud, 59, of Park Avenue, Washington, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify Sunderland City Council of her increased income, that would affect her entitlement to housing benefit between November 5, 2012, and July 5, 2015.

She was given a conditional discharge for 18 months and was told to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85.

Shannon Ayre, 20, of Hunter Street, Shiney Row, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Newbottle Street, Houghton, on January 27. She was fined £120 and was told to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and prosecution costs of £85.

Kerry Cummings, 35, of West View, Pegswood, Morpeth, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm or distress, in Sunderland on March 20.

She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and was told to pay a victim surcharge of £15.

Robert Kennedy, 22, of Warwick Drive, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to wilfully obstructing a police officer on January 4. She was fined £80 and was told to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Lawrence Newby, 40, of Thompson Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to stealing five packs of scallops to the value of £60 from Iceland, on March 19. He also pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm or distress and breach of a conditional discharge on the same date. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months. He was told to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85.