Telford receptionist sold stolen vet drugs on eBay

Rebecca Evans-Dean, 31, took the medication over an 18-month period while she was employed at the Shropshire practice.

But Evans-Dean avoided jail, instead being given a 10-month sentence suspended for two years.

Judge Peter Barrie told the defendant she had taken the opportunity to steal from her employer, having exaggerated the financial panic facing her family with a child on the way.

He said it was not something that happened once because of her anxiety over her own health and her pregnancy.

"It was many, many times on a small scale, but the amount involved had a profound impact on the business," he said.

Judge Barrie said it was "repeated and sustained conduct" over time during her employment at the Wrekin View surgery in Telford.

Evans-Dean, of Parklands, Wellington, admitted a charge of theft between March 2013 and August last year.

In addition to the suspended sentence Evans-Dean was placed on supervision for a year and must complete 80 hours unpaid work.

Judge Barrie said she must also attend a specified activity programme offering therapy and skills training which was a direct alternative to custody.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard the defendant, who now has an eight-month-old son, had indicated a determination to repay all of the money.

Mr David Swinnerton, for Evans-Dean, said his client was of previous good character and was "deeply ashamed and distraught". He said she wanted to repay "every penny" and had saved £1,700 in maternity payments and may have to sell the family home.