A FORMER pharmacy manager was told to be under “no illusions” over the likely sentence for the theft of drugs from the premises.

The custody warning was given to Inderjit Singh Klare, who frequently stole boxes of temazepam while managing IntraHealth Pharmacy, in West Cornforth, between January 1, 2017, and February 16 this year.

Durham Crown Court heard he sold the class C pills to help to meet debts run up through drink, drug and gambling addictions, which arose after he fell victim to, “a significant fraud”.

Phillip Morley, prosecuting, said Klare is estimated to have stolen 1,586 boxes, each containing 28 pills, worth about £44,000.

The 38-year-old now sacked pharmacist admitted theft by employee, possession with intent to supply and supplying the class C drug.

Nicholas Lane, from Klare, asked for a pre-sentence psychiatric report to consider the extent of defendant’s mental health difficulties.

Mr Lane said the defendant appears to have “issues” with depression and his addictions to alcohol, illicit substances and gambling.

“All of those addictions pre-existed this offence and arose from him being the victim of a significant fraud, in which he lost £140,000, or thereabouts, which has been confirmed by the officer in this case.

“He’s prescribed anti-depressant medication and has suffered with thoughts of self-harm.

“Such material may be relevant to the sentencing judge.

“He was a professional man, but there has been a consequence.

“He lost his employment and there has also been a drink-driving conviction which post-dates his arrest for the offences.”

Asked by Judge Christopher Prince if there was an element of coercion behind the passing on of drugs from the pharmacy, Mr Lane said: “He did receive some financial reward from the supply of drugs, therefore it would be difficult to argue that he was coerced.”

Adjourning for preparation of the psychiatric report, Judge Christopher Prince told Mr Lane: “The defendant should be under no illusions as to custody in this case.”

Mr Lane replied: “He’s absolutely clear as to his predicament.”

Klare, of Ellesmere Close, Mulberry Park, Houghton-le-Spring, was bailed to return for sentence on August 24.