A NEWPORT man who broke into a dentist and a restaurant in the city to fund his £200-a-day crack cocaine addiction, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, was given a jail term.

David Fernquest, 29, of Bassaleg Road, had pleaded guilty to burgling Cox Hitchcock Dentists on Llanthewy Road in September and the Gemelli restaurant on Bridge Street in October.

The court heard how Fernquest had caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at the two premises.

Thjis was caused by smashing a glass cabinet, breaking a door and wrecking a glass panel during the two incidents.

During the burglary at the dentists on September 26, Fernquest went in search of £1,000 he believed was hidden at the premises at 9.30pm, armed with a screwdriver and a crowbar.

When he couldn’t find the money, he smashed a glass cabinet worth £200 and broke a door which cost £3,200 to fix.

Jason Howells, prosecuting, said with the other incident Fernquest waited until 2.30am on October 3 to break into the restaurant after it had shut a couple of hours before.

Fernquest caused another £2,000 worth of damage there by wrecking a glass panel.

When police came to arrest him at his home he admitted the two offences, but said he had little recollection of the latter.

Fernquest was already in custody serving five months in prison for other theft offences when he appeared at Newport Crown Court.

He had been sentenced by magistrates last month, the court was told.

The court heard that he was looking to restart his life and has come off drugs.

Sentencing him, Judge Philip Richards said: “I do hope the effect of the sentence will enable you to make a change in your life.”

The judge sentenced him to 16 months in prison, of which he will serve half to run consecutively to his current term.

Fernquest was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £100.

This must be paid by him within 12 months of being released from prison.