Three people have been sentenced after admitting offences linked to the theft and supply of prescription-only drugs in Somerset, following a two-year police investigation that began when a pharmacy reported discrepancies in its stock.
Alastair Caines, 41, of Yeovil, Stuart Eales, 55, formerly of Yeovil, and Louise Larby, 42, formerly of Yeovil, appeared at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on Monday 14 September.
Sentences handed down
Caines was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete a three-month home detention curfew and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement.
Eales received a six-month jail term, suspended for one year, and was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Larby was given an 18-month community order. Her sentence includes a 20-day rehabilitation requirement and a nine-month mental health treatment requirement.
Offences admitted
All three had previously admitted conspiring to sell or supply prescription-only medicine, including Oramorph, without a prescription. They also admitted offences involving the supply of controlled drugs: Zopiclone, Dihydrocodeine, Diazepam and Pregabalin.
Eales and Larby additionally admitted theft by an employee involving controlled drugs while they were working for a pharmacy. The theft offences took place between May 2022 and March 2024.
All three denied a further allegation of conspiring to supply Tramadol, a class C controlled drug. That charge will lie on file.
Investigation and advice
A fourth woman was previously arrested in connection with the investigation but was released without charge.
Avon and Somerset Police said the case followed a two-year investigation that started after a pharmacy became aware of discrepancies in its stock. The force has reminded the public that selling or sharing prescription-only medication is a criminal offence.
Police also warned that taking a drug without proper medical assessment carries a significant risk of an adverse reaction. Support is available for people struggling with drug use and for their families through Somerset Council’s drugs and alcohol support information.