A man who stole bank cards belonging to staff at a medical centre in Slough after pretending to be a patient has been sent to prison.

Habib Mujahid-Muslim, 33, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment for one count of burglary and to 12 months’ imprisonment for one count of fraud at Reading Crown Court on June 9. The sentences will run concurrently.

The court had heard at an earlier hearing how he had walked into the medical centre on March 7 claiming to have an appointment.

He asked to use the toilet but slipped into consultation rooms instead, stealing bank cards and a purse belonging to staff. He went on to use the cards fraudulently.

He was arrested and charged on April 6, going on to plead guilty at the Crown Court on May 15.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Edward Elms, of the serious and complex crime team, based at Slough Police station, said: “This case related to a burglary at a medical centre, a place where people come for medical assistance and Mujahid-Muslim stole NHS staff’s belongings and went on to use their cards fraudulently.

“This is a despicable act and I am pleased he has been convicted and will be serving time in prison.

“Thames Valley Police will strive to work to bring offenders to justice in this way, especially for offences such as this which cause a lot of concern and impact to the public.

“I want to thank the staff at the centre and other witnesses and hope this case will encourage others with any information relating to criminality, or witnessing crimes to come forward so that we can work together to reduce crime.”