A village has united in support of a jailed dentist.

Geoffrey O'Sullivan was jailed for four months after admitting falsifying patient record cards and claim forms.

It resulted in a £10,000 overpayment to him by the Dental Practice Board.

But villagers in Dedham, where Mr O'Sullivan had a practice, have joined forces in support of him.

Katharine Lilley runs the Dedham Gourmet in High Street and O'Sullivan's practice was above her shop.

She said more than 100 people had signed a letter of support to the General Dental Council.

It states: "We, the undersigned, are aware of the recent judgement on Geoffrey O'Sullivan.

"Notwithstanding the sentence of the court, he has our confidence as a dental practitioner and we wish to see him continue to practice here in Dedham."

Mrs Lilley added: "I have known him for ten years. He is a wonderful man and a fantastic dentist and we need him here.

"We realise he has to go before the General Dental Council once he is out and we wanted to show our support for him."

Former Dedham parish councillor John Osborn, who is company secretary of the Dedham Vale Community Health Association, added his support.

Mr Osborn, who has been one of Mr O'Sullivan's patients for 17 years, said he felt the sentence was harsh and community service would have been more appropriate.

And he said he hoped Mr O'Sullivan would return to the village and to the Princel Lane practice as soon as possible.

Mr Osborn said: "Whilst accepting he was guilty of criminal misconduct, I believe the decision to give him a custodial sentence was misguided.

"The man has suffered for more than four years whilst the inquiry has been taking place, he will have incurred huge legal costs and his private life and general health will have undoubtedly been seriously affected.

"Even at times when there is not overcrowding in jails, prison sentences, in my view, should be reserved for people who represent a danger to the population."

He added: "We want our dentist back and we are prepared to forgive him."

Mr O'Sullivan, 51, of Higham Marsh, Stoke-by-Nayland, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court last week and admitting falsifying record cards and claim forms between September 2004 and April 2006.

The court heard there were incidents when claims were made for two patient visits but when patients had never been seen or seen only once.

He also claimed for higher priced surgical extractions instead of the more common type and for certain saelant treatments which were never performed.

O'Sullivan denied a second charge of conspiring with his receptionist Marlene Townes to claim £23,651 and that charge was left on file.

The prosecution told the court it accepted O'Sullivan was culpable and it was not pursuing action against Ms Townes who had denied conspiracy. The court was also told O'Sullivan's wife had repaid £23,651.

Elizabeth Curtis, media relations manager for the General Dental Council, said: "We are aware of the conviction and sentence of Geoffrey O'Sullivan and we consider these matters very seriously."

Ms Curtis said the investigating committee would consider the matter and could then refer the case on to the practice committee which will decide whether Mr O'Sullivan is considered fit to continue in practice.