Vet nurse admits false drugs order
A woman who ordered three types of controlled drugs from a pharmaceutical supplier after resigning her job as a veterinary nurse has been put on supervision to deal with her drug dependency.
The 38-year-old woman, Maria Theadora Halloumis of Southbridge, had already attended a Community Alcohol and Drugs Service assessment before her appearance in the Christchurch District Court today.
She had gone to the police and told them what she had done. Police prosecutor Sergeant Iain Patton told the court: “She said she realised her habit was getting out of control and knew she needed help.”
Judge David Saunders arranged for that help when he sentenced her immediately to six months of supervision when she will have to report to probation weekly, keep them up to date with any steps she is taking herself, and take treatment, counselling or programmes as required.
Halloumis had pleaded guilty to a charge of obtaining possession of three types of controlled drugs by deception.
Sergeant Patton said she had been spoken to about another matter at a veterinary practice where she worked and had resigned. The next day she rang a veterinary supplier, purported to be still employed at the practice, and ordered three types of controlled drugs, including morphine.
Over the next four days she used some of the drugs.
Then she contacted the police to tell them about the offending. “She said she was ashamed at what she had done,” said Sergeant Patton.
Defence counsel Donald Dickson said she obviously needed help, and urged that a supervision sentence be imposed.
Judge Saunders told Halloumis: “It is clear you need support to overcome a difficulty you have with some drug dependency.”
Category: Focus
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