Ex-Dental Manager Jailed for £120K Equipment Theft

Major Equipment Theft from Scottish Dental Practice

UK: A former dental practice manager has been sentenced to one year in jail after stealing £120,000 worth of dental equipment from Coatbridge Family Dental Care in Scotland, according to a Daily Record report. Alan Thomson, 36, committed the theft over a four-day period in July 2023, shortly after being dismissed from his position.

Sophisticated Fraud Attempt

The case, heard at Airdrie Sheriff Court, revealed that Thomson didn’t stop at equipment theft. In a separate scheme, he attempted to impersonate practice owner Keith Preston to fraudulently transfer £50,000 from Preston’s National Savings Investments account. He also managed to obtain additional dental equipment worth £3,600 through unauthorized billing to the practice.

Security Breach Details

According to prosecutor Sarah Healing, the theft was discovered when the practice’s alarm was triggered at “4.30am on July 7, 2023.” Investigation revealed that Thomson had used his allocated security code to “deactivate and reset the alarm” both on that occasion and days prior. The prosecutor noted that items were found “strewn over the floor” when police arrived at the scene.

Prior History and Employment

The court learned that Thomson had only worked at the practice for a brief period, starting in February 2023 before being “dismissed less than three months later for ‘under performance.'” The Daily Record also reported that this wasn’t Thomson’s first offense – he had previously received a £470 fine at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for theft while managing a TK Maxx store in 2022.

Defense and Background

Defense lawyer Eddie Kelly provided context for Thomson’s actions, explaining that his client had “developed a serious drug addiction after the death of his sister and also accrued debts.” Kelly informed the court that Thomson’s “mental health was at an extremely low level” and he had “used drugs as a coping mechanism.”

The case highlights the importance of robust security measures and oversight in dental practices, particularly regarding access to valuable equipment and financial accounts. The practice’s existing security systems were ultimately crucial in detecting the unauthorized activities and preventing further losses.