A DENTAL practice manager has been jailed for stealing £300,000 from her boss and spending it on high living, holidays and lavish parties.

Leanne Daniell stole the money over six years from dentist Mike Biccard, who owns the Parkfield Dental Surgery in Taunton.

Daniell, aged 39, of The Witheys, Bristol, was jailed for three years and four months at Taunton Crown Court last week after she admitted stealing £302,680 between April 2010 and September 2016.

After the case, Mr Biccard described her as a bully and revealed how her thefts almost ruined him and his business.

He said:"The stolen money was spent living above her means on many things including holidays, regular takeaways, personal trainers, extra curricular activities for her children, lavish parties and gifts for her friends and family."

The dentist said:"The business lost several members over the years it now transpires due to her bullying and controlling behaviour - these included both clinical and support staff.

"When I tried to understand why staff left, I was told a version of events that in later years I discovered had been manipulated to suit her agenda."

He said:"We were three months away from losing our home and business.

"The knock-on effect to the business and my reputation has been immense.

"Our suppliers and laboratories have been magnificent but has caused me huge embarrassment as we were unable to pay them for several months.

"Maintenance of equipment had to be prioritised. Our staff have not had a pay rise for many years and this is a huge issue but shows the loyalty of the staff and their wish for the business to succeed."

He said some dentists have had to leave as they run 'a very tight ship now' and this has led to problems hitting NHS targets and quotas.

He added:"Many businesses are struggling but most have cash reserves they can fall back on. Because we had money haemorrhaging out the business, we were never able to build a cash reserve.

"Although our overdraft is reducing and the drain has stopped, it is still a slow process to rebuild and recover and it is not as quick as we would have liked.

"We are pleased that justice has been served," but said greedy Daniell, of Bristol, had 'betrayed their trust' as a family and a business.