Some of the medication is said to still be missing from Macclesfield Hospital. Image: max homer
A man has appeared in court following a raid on an operating theatre at Macclesfield Hospital when potentially lethal drugs were taken.
Stephen Hague, 42, appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates Court on Monday, to plead guilty to burglary.
It follows a police appeal in which officers said an offender managed to get into the theatre room before a drugs cabinet was forced off the wall and taken.
A police spokesman said controlled medication was inside and police and East Cheshire NHS Trust – who run the hospital – issued a warning of the danger the drugs posed.
Although most of the medication has been recovered some remains missing and is said to only be safe in the hands of a qualified medical professional.
Police continue to hunt for the medication and say it is potentially lethal even in small doses.
The theft happened on Tuesday, August 13, and after a witness appeal Hague was arrested at his home on Harbour Farm Road, Hyde, on Friday.
He has been remanded in custody to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on September 16.
Following the theft of medication Detective Inspector Duncan Gouck, from Cheshire Police, said: “It’s extremely important that we locate the drugs as soon as possible to ensure that nobody comes to harm.
“Even when taken in small doses the stolen drugs can be potentially lethal.
“As part of enquires I’m keen to speak to anyone with any information, no matter how small, which may assist.
“Anyone in possession of the drugs is urged to hand them into their local police station to help ensure that nobody comes to harm.”
A spokesman for East Cheshire NHS Trust added: “These controlled drugs are dangerous in the hands of non-qualified medical personnel.” Anyone who has been offered the chance to buy any of the drugs, or has any information regarding their whereabouts, can contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting reference IML 485431, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.