A MAN with a history of burglary offending lapsed back into his old ways, forcing his way into a GP surgery.

Thomas Adey ransacked the premises, Arbroath House Surgery, in Easington Colliery, causing extensive damage and stealing 50 hypodermic needles, on the evening of June 18.

But Durham Crown Court heard that due to the mix of drink and tablets he had taken, he had little recollection.

Chris Morrison, prosecuting, said Adey was seen climbing on the building, in Seaside Lane, at about 8.15pm.

He removed a security mesh and smashed a first-floor window before entering and causing an estimated £5,000-worth of damage.

Mr Morrison said “for no apparent reason”, a sink was pulled from a wall.

The needles were taken from a store room and placed outside, apparently for collection, later. Although recovered they could not be used.

A debit card and blood-stained sweat-shirt were recovered at the scene, while cctv confirmed Adey’s presence.

Adey, 40, of, of Coniston Avenue, Easington Lane, admitted burglary, the eleventh such offence on his record.

But Mark Styles, mitigating, said the last was in 2012 and his client lapsed after set-backs in his personal life.

Judge Ray Singh adjourned sentence for preparation of a probation report and warned the defendant he may receive a custodial sentence.

 

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