Stephen Ian Rennie, 19, had been out drinking with friends when he entered Hartlepool Police Station, in Avenue Road, and demanded to be sent to prison.

Rennie then became aggressive and kicked a door which leads into the staff area.

He was arrested and charged with being drunk and disorderly in a public place on Sunday, April 27.

Rennie, of Montague Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty when he appeared before Hartlepool Magistrates' Court.

Tahira Bourchier, prosecuting, told the court Rennie had been out drinking in the town centre when he entered the reception area of the police station at 4am.

She said: "Rennie became verbally abusive to the police officer on the front desk.

"He started shouting that he wanted to go to a young offenders' institute or prison. It became apparent to the officer that his speech was slurred and he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

"He then kicked the front door which gives access to the staff side."
Rennie, who represented himself in court, said: "I keep getting too drunk, and I can't remember what I am doing."

Patricia Gibson, chairman of the bench, said: "We are going to adjourn this case because we feel there could be an alcohol problem because you have said yourself that you get too drunk and don't remember what happens.

"We want more information from the probation service about what help you may need. It is a decision we can't make today."
Mrs Gibson said magistrates were looking at a community penalty with a weekend curfew.

The case was adjourned until Friday, May 23, for pre-sentence reports.