A MAN went into his dentist's surgery and demanded anaesthetic and scalpels - so he could perform surgery on his girlfriend who was suffering with haemorrhoids.

Blackburn magistrates heard the bizarre request was refused by staff at the surgery who decided to call the police.

But while they were doing that Ashley Dean Langtree sneaked into the treatment room where he was caught rifling through drawers and a cabinet.

Langtree, 28, of Wensley Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal. He was given a conditional discharge for six months which the chairman said was an unusual sentence for the offence but they had taken into account the unusual circumstances.

"I am sure it has been made clear to you the harm that could have been caused had you got hold of a scalpel and anaesthetic," said the chairman. "It was motivated by concern for your partner and done at her request."

Philippa White, prose-cuting, said Langtree went into his dentist's surgery in Railway Road at 12.50 pm on Tuesday and told staff he needed anaesthetic and scalpels in order to perform surgery on his partner.

"He explained she was suffering with haemorrhoids but was told his request was not only impossible but against the law," said Mrs White. "He persisted and because of this disturbing behaviour they decided to contact the police."

When Langtree was arrested he told police his partner had not received the treatment she required at hospital and it was his intention to perform surgery on her to ease her discomfort.

Roger Pickles, defending, described the case as "utterly bizarre."

"He maintains it was his intention to offer his partner the relief she hadn't been able to get at the hospital," said Mr Pickles.

"She is deaf and dumb and went to hospital with her problems but did not receive any treatment."