GP floors intruder at the surgery

The GP kicked a syringe from the hand of the bungling burglar who threatened to stab him during a break-in at his surgery.

Dr Dutchman, 48, raced into action after confronting the intruder when he caught him stealing his laptop one lunchtime.

Petty crook King, a long time drug abuser, threatened to stab the medic with a syringe during a struggle.

But the doc disarmed him with a kick and then pinned him to the floor with the help of patient Jason Wheeler, a security guard by trade, who had raced to his assistance.

Dr Dutchman's bravery at his Hastings Old Town surgery was outlined to a court as King, a former youth champion kickboxer, was jailed for 15 months for the burglary one lunchtime in February.

Prosecutor Wayne Barnes told Lewes Crown Court: "Dr Dutchman was working away from his office in a nearby treatment room and returned to find Mr King with his laptop in his hand.

"Words were exchanged and the defendant attempted to leave. Dr Dutchman prevented him from doing so and called for assistance and was joined by a patient, Mr Wheeler.

"They restrained the defendant who said his arms were hurting from being restrained. The grip was loosened and the defendant struggled through and went across the room.

"He got out a syringe and made stabbing gestures towards the doctor and Mr Wheeler, saying, `You're going to get stabbed, get out of my way'.

"Dr Dutchman and Mr Wheeler backed off but as the defendant reached the door Dr Dutchman kicked out with his foot. Once again the defendant came forward with a syringe and made stabbing gestures but this time the doctor kicked the syringe out of Mr King's hand.

"Dr Dutchman and Mr Wheeler restrained Mr King until police arrived and he was arrested."

King was taken to hospital after suffering injuries sustained in the struggle before being taken into custody.

King, of Messens Farm, Potmans Lane, Bexhill, pleaded guilty to burglary and affray and the court heard he has 12 previous convictions for 26 offences including burglary, assault, failing to provide a specimen and driving while disqualified.

Rebecca Upton, defending, said King, who grew up in North London, had been a former champion kickboxer as a youth but started taking cannabis at 15 and then ecstasy, cocaine and heroin when he was 19.

She said: "There was a struggle during which he accepts having a syringe and waving it around and making threats.

"He said he did that to protect himself although he accepts that the doctor and Mr Wheeler had no idea of his intentions."