Trainee dispenser used key to steal diazepam (From Gazette)

Trainee dispenser used key to steal diazepam

5:37pm Wednesday 25th November 2009 in

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A TRAINEE dispenser used his key to enter a pharmacy out of hours and steal drugs.

Three people collapsed in Colchester town centre after overdosing on diazepam obtained by Wayne Bunch.

The 30-year-old, of Bloyes Mews, off Clarendon Way, Colchester, admitted stealing and supplying the tablets last May.

Sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday was adjourned, but Judge David Turner QC warned Bunch he was in a “serious position”.

The court heard Bunch had gone to the Queen Street Pharmacy on May 31 and stolen a quantity of 5mg and 10mg diazepam tablets.

Further details were not read out, but the Gazette reported at the time two men were later found unconscious on the pavement outside the pharmacy and a third collapsed in the middle of the road.

Police cordoned off the area while an investigation was conducted.

Mark Lakin, prosecuting, said Bunch had no history of drugs offences and the only matters on his criminal record were connected with animal rights campaigning.

Noel Casey, mitigating, said Bunch had admitted supplying the tablets, when interviewed by the police.

Judge Turner said his actions would be viewed more seriously because there was “an element of breach of trust”.

He added: “I’m afraid the situation is serious. The court will want to hear all the mitigation and I am not going to tell you what will happen, but you must be aware your position is a serious one.”

Queen Street Pharmacy declined to comment until after the case is concluded.

Diazepam is a depressant used to treat anxiety or seizures. It is dangerous if combined with alcohol.

Healthy adults would not normally be given more than 40mg per day in three or four doses.