A burglar who stole a computer from the QE2 Hospital in Welwyn Garden City has been given a chance to stay out of prison by coming off drugs.

Dean Harper, 40, who has pleaded guilty to stealing a laptop from the doctors’ mess at the hospital on January 19, a burglary and an attempted burglary, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Monday.

Judge Andrew Bright QC adjourned sentencing until April 14, to give Harper a chance to prove he can comply with a probation programme known as Choices and Consequences.

Harper must take two drug tests a week and comply with a work and training programme.

Judge Bright told him: “You need to stay out of trouble, and prove your commitment to the programme.”

Harper was given a night time curfew, which will be monitored by an electronic tag.

He had admitted stealing £30 from a home in St Peter’s Close, Hatfield on September 10, 2009, and trying to steal from the Homestead Court Hotel in Welwyn Garden City on August 30, 2009.