Doctor Avoids Jail for Opioid Theft & Forgery | Irish Times
Doctor and Fiancée Avoid Conviction After OxyContin Theft – Donate €20,000 to Drug Treatment Project
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A doctor and his fiancée have avoided a custodial sentence after admitting to stealing prescription pads and using forged prescriptions to obtain OxyContin,a highly addictive opioid. The couple, residing in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, were instead offered the benefit of the Probation of offenders Act after agreeing to donate a combined €20,000 to the Merchant quay drug treatment project.
Addiction and Offending: A Timeline
The court heard that the doctor, Nevin, frist struggled with addiction in 2019, attempting to address the issue but relapsing around the time of the offences. Between july 2021 and february 2024, Nevin stole prescription pads from University Hospital Galway and Midlands regional General Hospital in Mullingar. He and his fiancée,Moylan,then used these,frequently enough under a fictitious patient’s name,to acquire OxyContin from pharmacies in Kells,Co. Meath,Kilbeggan,and Tullamore.
Moylan admitted to stealing prescription pads from St James’s Hospital in Dublin and using prescriptions forged by Nevin. The fraudulent activity was uncovered in May of last year when a pharmacist in Mullingar became suspicious of a prescription and contacted University Hospital Galway, confirming it was not legitimate.
Pressures on Medical Professionals and Personal Struggles
Judge Johnson acknowledged the significant pressures faced by medical professionals working long and demanding shifts.He described nevin as a “high achiever” who had proactively moved from a clinical role to a tutoring position at Midlands Regional General Hospital, a decision driven by his struggle with addiction. Nevin himself stated that the “stress and strain of the job precipitated and aggravated” his addiction, initially seeking opioids online before attempting to seek help. He explained his move to a teaching role as a desire to focus on an area he was passionate about, following a period of sobriety and a subsequent relapse.
The court also learned of Moylan’s personal hardships. While studying to be a nurse, she provided care for her terminally ill mother. Her defense counsel, Dara Foynes SC, argued she acted out of compassion and concern for her partner, attempting to manage a situation spiralling out of control, ultimately leading to personal harm and a loss of professional standing.
Restorative Justice and Future Prospects
Judge Johnson persistent that the couple did not meet the threshold for a custodial sentence, recognizing the “huge price” they had already paid. As part of the Probation of Offenders Act,Nevin is required to donate €15,000,while moylan will donate €5,000 to Merchant Quay,a leading drug treatment project. This donation represents a form of restorative justice, aiming to contribute to the support of others struggling with addiction.Both Nevin and Moylan have resigned from their respective professions. Moylan has agreed not to pursue a career in nursing, while Nevin awaits a decision regarding his future as a medical professional. Nevin expressed deep remorse and confirmed he is currently attending addiction counselling. The case was adjourned until Friday.