Three individuals from Yeovil have admitted to offences involving the theft and illegal distribution of prescription medications following an internal pharmacy report highlighting inconsistencies in their stock.
Alastair Caines, 41, of Yeovil, Stuart Eales, 55, formerly of Yeovil, and Louise Larby, 42, formerly of Yeovil, appeared before Taunton Crown Court at North Somerset Courthouse on Monday, 14 September.
All three previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply or sell the prescription-only medication Oramorph without a valid prescription. Additionally, they admitted to unlawfully supplying controlled Class C drugs, including Zopiclone, Diazepam, and Pregabalin, along with the Class B controlled drug Dihydrocodeine.
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The scheme to distribute these prescription drugs came to light after the pharmacy informed police of discrepancies in their medication stock.
Eales and Larby also pleaded guilty to theft by an employee, specifically relating to the controlled drugs, during the period between May 2022 and March 2024 while employed at the pharmacy.
Sentencing results were as follows: Caines received a 20-month prison sentence suspended for two years, accompanied by a three-month home detention curfew and a 30-day rehabilitation programme. Eales was given a six-month custodial sentence suspended for one year and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Larby was sentenced to an 18-month community order including a 20-day rehabilitation programme and a nine-month mental health treatment requirement.
All three defendants denied involvement in a separate charge concerning conspiracy to supply Tramadol, a Class C controlled drug.
In connection with this investigation, a fourth individual, a woman, was previously arrested but was not charged.
Avon and Somerset Police issued a reminder: “Selling or sharing prescription-only medication is a criminal offence. Taking medication without proper medical assessment poses a significant risk of adverse reactions.”