Three sentenced for prescription drug offences

Three people have been sentenced after admitting offences linked to the theft and supply of prescription-only drugs in Somerset.

Alastair Caines, 41, of Yeovil, Stuart Eales, 55, formerly of Yeovil, and Louise Larby, 42, formerly of Yeovil, were all sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on Monday 14th September.

All three had previously admitted conspiring to:

• sell/supply prescription-only medicine (Oramorph) not in accordance with a prescription
• supply controlled drug class C – Zopiclone
• supply controlled drug class B – Dihydrocodeine
• supply controlled drug class C – Diazepam
• supply controlled drug class C – Pregabalin

Stuart Eales and Louise Larby both also previously admitted a charge of theft by employee, namely the controlled drugs between May 2022 and March 2024, while working for a pharmacy.

Alastair Caines was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, a three-month home detention curfew and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement.

Stuart Eales was handed six-month jail term, suspended for one year. He must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Louise Larby was sentenced to an 18-month community order, a 20-day rehabilitation requirement and a nine-month mental health treatment requirement.

All three denied a further charge of conspiring to supply Tramadol, a class C controlled drug and this charge will lie on file.

A fourth person, a woman, previously arrested in connection with the investigation, was released without any charge.

The prosecution followed a two-year investigation which began when a pharmacy contacted police after becoming aware of discrepancies in their stock.

Selling or sharing prescription-only medication is a criminal offence. Taking a drug without the proper medical assessment carries a significant risk of an adverse reaction.

There is support for those struggling with drug use, and their families. Find out more by visiting Somerset Council’s website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/health-safety-and-wellbeing/drugs-and-alcohol/