Offaly nurse who altered prescriptions appears in court in Tullamore

A NURSE who altered prescriptions as she didn't think her doctor would give her any more of a certain drug because she was addicted to it, appeared at last week's district court.

Barrister David Nugent said his client Deirdre Payne (54) of Riverdale, Clonmore, Edenderry, had pleaded guilty to the offences in a previous court sitting in March and had been fully cooperative with the Probation Officer since.

Ms Payne was charged with entering four pharmacies on different dates with duly issued prescriptions which had been altered with intent to deceive.

The incidents took place at Ryan's Chemist on Main Street in Daingean, on November 22, 2022; Medical Hall, JKL Street, Edenderry on September 23, 2022; Tedders Chemist, JKL Street, Edenderry on September 8, 2022 and Quinn's Pharmacy, Granary Court, Edenderry on September 7, 2022.

The court heard that Ms Payne was very ashamed and embarrassed and it was having a significant impact on her. It also heard that the defendant had an alcohol addiction and had attended the Rutland Centre. She had also attended St John of God entre and was now doing well. In addition she attends AA and completed a course in Cuan Mhuire in 2023.

The defendant is currently suspended from her work.

Judge Andrew Cody read the Probation Officer's report which was handed in to him by the barrister. The Judge said it was a very positive report. “I am not in a position to strike out the charges,” he concluded, “but I will issue the Probation Act.”