Kilkenny court: Prescription pad fraud lands man in court

A man who forged prescriptions in a bid to illegally obtain prescription painkillers was fined at Kilkenny District Court.

Piotr Kowalski, 37 Hollybank Lawns admitted forging prescriptions and using a false instrument at Fallons Pharmacy on John Street on May 23.

Evidence was heard that the defendant attempted to obtain opiate-based painkillers but did not obtain the prescription drugs.

Sergeant Alma Molloy outlined how the defendant's behaviour 'caused suspicion' and he was refused the medication.

Solicitor Con McDonnell told the court that his client was a 31-year-old who suffers from depression and has severe back pain.

Mr McDonnell outlined how his client, who made full admissions to the gardaí, had been given the blank prescription pad and had succumbed to temptation.

Judge Colin Daly convicted the defendant and fined him €1,000.