A MAN has admitted using a sledgehammer to smash his way into a discount supermarket to steal almost £2,000.

Jamie Lee Stewart, 32, and an unknown accomplice used two bags for life to carry the cash out of Darlington’s Aldi store on April 19.

The pair were caught on CCTV breaking in through a window before emptying money from the till trays in the staff room.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe were told yesterday during the break-in at about 10.40pm, Stewart cut himself and bled on the floor.

Emma Cruickshank, prosecuting, said he was seen trying to mop it up with his sleeve before using a bottle of water to aid the clean-up.

Stewart, of Eldon Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to non-dwelling burglary.

Ms Cruickshank said the burglary cost the store £4,629.

Stewart was also in breach of a suspended sentence for a similar offence last year.

John Clish, mitigating, said his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He remains on conditional bail and will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.