Woman fined for buying alcohol for daughter

A woman in South Shields has been arrested and fined for buying alcohol for her underage daughter and friends.

The 38-yearold was arrested after police discovered she had bought cider and sparkling wine for her 14-year-old daughter and two friends, also aged 14.

The girls were stopped by police as part of its Operation Safe Stop and their parents called.

When it emerged, the mother of one of the girls had bought the alcohol for them she was arrested and received an £80 fixed penalty notice.

"Buying alcohol for underage drinkers will not be tolerated in South Tyneside," said Inspector Peter Sutton.

"It is a criminal offence and action will be taken as seen in this example.

"I hope this serves as a warning to adults buying alcohol on behalf of youngsters that police take a robust stance against this offence and if you're caught, it will end up being a costly round."

Police have set up a number for people to ring them to inform them of any "proxy" purchasing.