AN Ipswich dentist was "mortified" when he realised he had been overcharging patients, a court heard.Paul Tildsley, allegedly claimed to be fitting gold crowns on patients' teeth when in fact he had used non-precious metal crowns.

AN Ipswich dentist was "mortified" when he realised he had been overcharging patients, a court heard.

Paul Tildsley, allegedly claimed to be fitting gold crowns on patients' teeth when in fact he had used non-precious metal crowns.

Tildsley telephoned his dental supplier James McCandless, of Orwell Dental Laboratory as soon as the accessions came to light, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Jim Sturman QC, defending Tildsley said his client was so upset he called Mr McCandless while he was on holiday in Scotland celebrating hogmanay.

Mr Sturman said the call followed "a dramatic falling out" between Tildsley and Alison Brown the owner of the surgery in The Walk where Tildsley worked.

Tildsley allegedly said to Mr McCandless "I have been accused of charging for precious crowns when they were non-precious. Please tell me they were precious."

When Mr McCanless reminded Tildsley he had changed his order to non-precious crowns Tildsley replied: "There's been a big mistake, I have to sort this out". Mr Sturman said Tildsley was "mortified" by the misunderstanding.

The 38-year-old of Geneva Road, Ipswich, has denied seven offences of obtaining money transfers by deception.

Mr McCandless described Tildsley as a good man and an excellent dental surgeon.

The trial continues.