A woman has faced court for attempting to obtain more medication than she was prescribed by fraudulently altering a script.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sharon Anne Brerton, 50, pleaded guilty at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court last week to one charge of prescription fraud to obtain a drug of dependence.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jack Fletcher said Brerton obtained a script for temazepam, known as a sleeping tablet, in January 2020 from her doctor.
The next day she presented the script to a pharmacist at Chemist Warehouse who noticed it had been altered by crossing out 10 tablets and writing 25.
The court heard the pharmacist called the prescribing doctor to confirm and refused to fill the script.
Prescription medication addictions are a scourge on the community.
- Magistrate Michelle Hodgson
Senior Constable Fletcher said Brerton became abusive to staff at Chemist Warehouse before leaving the store.
A defence lawyer said Brerton was suffering from anxiety and depression at the time and was not sleeping well.
The lawyer said her previous script had been for 25 tablets, but this time was for 10.
The court heard Brerton returned to her doctor the next day to have her script altered to 25 legally, but no evidence was provided to the court.
Magistrate Michelle Hodgson said there were good reasons why temazepam was prescribed in specific quantities.
"Prescription medication addictions are a scourge on the community," she said.
"If a doctor prescribes you an amount that is what you get.
"This is not an appropriate course to take."
Ms Hodgson said she was concerned Brerton took her anger out on Chemist Warehouse staff.
"Pharmacists do so much good work in our community," she said.
"They deserve to be able to go to work and be respected."
Ms Hodgson said she had to deter other people from taking the same action when deciding on a sentence.
She said she took into account Brerton's good prospects of rehabilitation and her early plea of guilty.
Brerton was convicted and fined $200.
"Don't come back before the court," Ms Hodgson said.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
