Burglar broke into Leeds medical centre because he wanted his prescription

Robert Sandiman forced his way into Oakwood Lane Medical Centre in east Leeds while the staff members and a GP were dealing with telephone appointments, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Marte Alnaes, prosecuting, said the medical centre was locked up when Sandiman prized open a side door just before 1pm on October 17 2020.

Miss Alnaes said the staff member heard what was happening and went to investigate.

She saw Sandiman in a corridor, asked him what he was doing there and told him to leave the building.

Miss Alnaes said: "The defendant stated he needed his methadone prescription.

"She told him the pharmacy was closed and the defendant said he would break in before walking off towards the reception area."

Miss Alnaes said the staff member asked the doctor to call 999.

The court heard Sandiman was caught on CCTV kicking the shutter doors of the closed pharmacy.

Sandiman, 34, also damaged a flip chart and stole some surface wipes worth £5.

Sandiman, of Boggart Hill Gardens, Seacroft, admitted burglary of a non dwelling and failing to surrender to custody.

He has 12 previous convictions for 28 offences, including theft and burglary.

Shila Whitehead, mitigating, said: "He knows and he appreciates that he was getting some help and he appreciates that his behaviour was unacceptable."

Jailing Sandiman for six months, Recorder Tony Hawks told him "You have got a bad record for minor dishonesty.

"I suspect the root of your problem is heroin addiction, which gave rise to the burglary."

Recorder Hawks added: "The doctor and the assistant who were in there have got a difficult enough job to do without dealing with people like you.

"I hope you are going to use the short time you spend in custody getting free of drugs."