A MAN gained entry to a doctor's surgery and a dental practice where his mother was employed as a cleaner.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Mark Wade, 40, stole nearly £1,000 in two thefts from Holt's Dental Surgery in Preston New Road and £580 from St George's surgery, also in Preston New Road.

Wade, of Cutler Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at the dental surgery and asked for three offences to be taken into consideration.

He was ordered to do 180 hours community punishment and pay a total of £400 compensation.

Daniel King, defending, said Wade's mother was 74 and suffering from deteriorating health. Wade was her registered carer.