A FORMER pharmacy manager facing a potential jail sentence for theft of drugs from the premises disputes the amount of pills he stole.

Inderjit Singh Klare 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 meet mounting debts from drink, drug and gambling addictions, which emerged after he fell victim to, “a significant fraud”.

Sacked when his stealing came to light, he admitted theft by employee, possession with intent to supply and supplying the class C drug, at the court, in June.

Sentence was adjourned to allow psychiatric and probation reports to be prepared due to his “issues” with depression and addictions.

But the sentencing hearing was told there remains a disparity between the amount of drugs the prosecution and defence claim were taken.

He claims he took 600 boxes, less some returned, while the prosecution estimates the figure at 1,543 boxes.

Judge Christopher Prince said they are, “miles apart” and adjourned for lawyers on each side to try to reach an agreed figure on which the defendant is to be sentenced.

Klare, of Ellesmere Close, Mulberry Park, Houghton-le-Spring, was bailed to return for sentence on August 31.