'Desperate' woman illegally added painkiller to her prescription

AN ISLE of Wight woman struggling to cope with the tragic death of her father unlawfully added a strong painkiller to her prescription.

Jessie Walker, of Pyle Street, Newport, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, June 25.

The 28-year-old admitted a single count of making a false prescription for a scheduled drug with intent, in Newport, on May 31 of last year.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said Walker had been reported by the NHS to have obtained medication by means of forgery.

She said Walker added a 14-day course of Tramadol to her prescription, claiming voices in her head told her to do it.

The court heard she had been given a conditional discharge for the offence but found herself in court after failing to attend a drug diversion course.

Ms Miller said the offence was opportunistic, she did receive the medication, but did not forge a signature.

Bridget O’Hagan, defending, said Walker had been admitted to hospital at the end of May last year.

She said Walker’s father tragically died in a house fire and she had a mental breakdown.

The court heard she presented as a young lady who was desperate with poor mental health.

Walker was handed a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £26 surcharge.