A FORRES MAN who stole drugs from Dr Gray’s Hospital was given an opportunity to prove his days of addiction were in the past.
Joshua Hayes pleaded guilty to taking 11 packets of diazepam and propranolol from the Elgin hospital on May 7 this year.
The court heard that Hayes, 25 and from Fleurs Road in Forres, had arrived at the A&E department that evening in a wheelchair. He was spotted rummaging through a cupboard by a member of staff – and CCTV also captured him making several trips along the corridor.
Fiscal depute Kevin Cormack said that when challenged the accused said that he was “looking for a plaster”. Confirmation that the medication was missing was notified to the police who traced the accused – who handed them a bag containing a number of boxes.
Despite the drugs being recovered the hospital was left in short supply until they were replenished, as the stolen drugs could not be safely returned into circulation.
On hearing that Hayes had made “significant efforts” to kick his drug habit since the offence, Sheriff John Halley decided to give the accused a chance to prove that he could remain drug-free. Hayes was fined £260.