A Derry man who registered as a patient with two different medical practices in an attempt to obtain extra prescriptions for drugs has received a suspended prison sentence.
Mark Sheridan, 31, of Crawford Square, admitted charges of fraud by false representation on May 15, 2015, and disorderly behaviour on November 2, 2016.
The fraud charge related to the defendant registering as a temporary patient at Bridge Street Medical Practice to obtain a prescription for Diazepam and Zopiclone without disclosing that he was registered with, and had received a weekly prescription from, Glendermott Medical Practice.
The offence was discovered when he requested the prescription at Bridge Street where the doctor spoke to staff at a local pharmacy who informed him that Sheridan already had a weekly prescription. The defendant was then spoken to and told that the remainder of the script would not be provided.
When the 31-year-old attended Strand Road Police Station he made full admissions to the charge. He told officers he ‘decided to chance it’ to get more medicine for personal use.
The disorderly offence happened around 1pm last November when he was found to be drinking alcohol in an alcohol-free zone in Victoria Market Car Park. While speaking to the defendant officers realised that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
‘Shouting and roaring’ then broke out in the car park, a Public Prosecution Service (PPS) representative explained, which involved a group of men crowding around two males who were fighting. The men were warned to stop fighting as they were in full view of ‘concerned members of the public’. An officer reported the men for disorderly behaviour and another crew arrived to monitor their behaviour.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said it was a ‘sad case’ concerning a man who has had ‘drug problems in the past which he has conquered’. But ‘despite a valiant effort’ Sheridan has been unable to abstain from alcohol consumption.
The court was told that Sheridan spent a lengthy amount of time in prison but when he was released he relapsed. However, Mr MacDermott said that, ‘for a man in his position’, the defendant’s record ‘isn’t the worst’.
The defence solicitor said his client is ‘embarrassed and ashamed’ about the drug-related offence and the other matter involved a ‘drunken brawl’ which he ‘egged on’.
District Judge Peter King said the defendant’s offending was ‘entirely down to drink’ and he decided against imposing a fine which he believed would be ‘jail by the back door’ for someone in Sheridan’s position. Judge King sentenced the defendant to five months in prison, suspended for twelve months.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.