Father given chance after Penwortham doctor's surgery burgled

David Michael Patrick McDermott, of Ashbourne Crescent, Ingol, Preston, appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary.

Prosecutors said between June 12 and 14 this year, the 38-year-old entered the St Fillan’s Medical Centre, on Liverpool Road, Penwortham, near Preston.

While inside the centre he managed to steal a cashbox and cash to the value of £507.

McDermott’s defence lawyer told the court he had sole responsibility for a teenager son who would be affected if he went into prison.

The bench said the offence was serious enough to merit a custodial term and imposed 12 weeks in prison.

However, after hearing about his son, they agreed to suspend the term for a year to enable the defendant to work with the Probation Service on the Stepping Stone course.

He was also given a rehabilitation activity requirement and was ordered to pay a £128 victim surcharge.

No compensation was ordered for the surgery, and he was not ordered to pay costs due to his limited means and a substantial debt he already owes to the court.

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