TOOTHPASTE, tea and coffee were among the items stolen from a Runcorn dental surgery after two men ‘ransacked’ the building.

Anthony Wain, of Grangeway in Runcorn, and Samuel Hambleton, of no fixed abode, appeared before Chester Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to burglary.

Halton Lodge Dental Surgery on Festival Way was broken into on March 20 after being left secure over the weekend.

Prosecuting, Michael Whitty said: “The defendants were spotted by a man nearby, who noticed three men going to the rear of the building through the afternoon. A friend arrived and the pair challenged the men.

“They said the building was empty. Various bags were being carried from the premises.”

Police were then called to a home in Runcorn where they discovered items including packets of toothpaste.

The defendants stole £2,300 worth of cash, medical supplies and even tea and coffee used by staff.

Carpet, cabinets, curtain rails and other fittings were damaged, meaning the surgery had to spend £1,700 on repairs.

Mr Whitty said: “Because of the damage and the items taken, the surgery was inoperable for three days. Obviously there was disruption. There was distress and inconvenience to staff and patients.”

Defending 48-year-old Wain, who had been in custody since the offence, Simon Christie said: “He has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. With a period of eight months already behind him he’s now clear of drink and drugs.”

Hambleton, 38, had been wearing an electronic tag since March 22 and defending, Jeremy Rawson said: “He does not enjoy the best of health. He had a stroke in 2006 while serving a sentence.

“By his physical condition he could not take as active a part in this undertaking but accepts he was present.”

Sentencing, Judge Patrick Thompson said: “You effectively ransacked the place and helped yourselves to dental items, any cash and even items like tea and coffee.

“You also caused £1,700 worth of damage and the surgery was closed.

“Patients and staff were no doubt extremely distressed. The business was caused considerable hardship, not only in damage but also patients going elsewhere that may never have returned.

“It’s clear to me that these premises were targeted because they were a dental surgery and you knew the sort of items that were there.”

Wain was jailed for 28 months and Hambleton received a two year prison sentence.