A MAN has been sentenced following the burglary of a dental surgery in south Essex.

James Kevin Alexander, a 44-year-old of no fixed abode, appeared at Southend Magistrate Court on November 30.

He was sentenced to six months in prison following the burglary of a dental surgery in South Ockendon on May 15.

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Officers were called to the business following reports that the intruder alarm had been disabled and arrived to find the windows had been smashed.

Following CCTV enquiries, Alexander was identified as a suspect and was arrested on the 30 May.

After his arrest, Alexander claimed that he was in hospital on the day of the burglary.

He was released under investigations whilst officers continued with their enquiries.

These enquiries including checking with Southend Hospital who confirmed that he had not been there on the 15 May.

Despite no items being stolen from the burglary, Alexander was charged and remanded into custody before receiving a six-month sentence.

Superintendent Timothy Tubbs said “Whether items are taken or not, burglary has a detrimental effect on the public.  

“Alexander lied to cover up where he was on the day, but our persistent work made sure he has been held accountable for his actions.

“We continue to work hard to investigate residential and business burglaries and as a force, we’re consistently learning how we can improve this.”