Convicted pharmacist’s registration cancelled Up to four offenders sought after fatal attack in park

A PHARMACIST admitted he had an addiction after being caught stealing drugs while working in a Dunedin pharmacy.

Simon James Blue’s pharmacy registration has been cancelled by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal after he admitted and was convicted of stealing a class B controlled drug.

Blue became registered as a pharmacist in 2010 and moved to Australia to work in 2013.

While employed as a pharmacist in Australia, he was investigated by the Health Care Complaints Commission, which found he had stolen 6900 Ritalin tablets from his former employer for his personal use over a twoyear period.

Since Blue had surrendered his registration during the investigation, no action was taken.

However, early in the investigation the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand told him that because he did not have an annual practising certificate he could no longer work as a pharmacist in New Zealand.

Despite that, he took up a shortterm position as a pharmacy technician at Forbury Pharmacy in Caversham, Dunedin, during the investigation.

His employer agreed he was to work only as a technician, as he did not hold an annual practising certificate, but Blue did not tell them of the investigation.

During the five days he worked at the Dunedin pharmacy he completed tasks that fell within the registered pharmacist scope of practice, including handling, preparing and dispensing medicines.

He also stole a packet of 30 Rubifen tablets from the controlled drug safe.

Blue initially denied taking the drugs until he was shown CCTV footage of him stealing it.

He later admitted to police that he took the Rubifen for his personal use and that he needed help for his addiction to it.

‘‘I guess temptation got the better of me,’’ he said.

‘‘I know I need help for this addiction and leaving pharmaceuticals is the best option for me to get myself straight. This is why I am heading towards an engineering background.’’

He was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act, pleaded guilty, and was convicted and sentenced to 150 hours of community work.

The tribunal found that the criminal conviction and his admission that he undertook the duties of a pharmacist for five days without an annual practising certificate warranted disciplinary action.

His registration as a pharmacist was cancelled, he was censured and he was ordered to pay $8500. — The New Zealand Herald

AUCKLAND: Police investigating the death of a 21yearold man in South Auckland last Saturday are looking for the people who attacked him.

Nigel Fuatimu died in Jellicoe Park, Manurewa, from injuries sustained during the attack, which is believed to have been random and unprovoked.

Police said in a statement Mr Fuatimu and three friends had been drinking on the night of the attack and headed to the park about 11pm.

They were playing loud music from a Bluetooth speaker when two men approached them.

A fight broke out and Mr Fuatimu was killed at the scene.

Police said they knew there was more than one offender, and up to four people could have been involved.

They are described as Pacific Islanders.

Acting Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said there was no indication the attackers knew Mr Fuatimu.

‘‘Police are urging the people involved to do the right thing for Mr Fuatimu and his family,’’ he said.

‘‘We also believe there are people out there in the community who know what happened at Jellicoe Park or know who was involved.

‘‘We are asking that they also do the right thing and contact police so we can provide some closure for Mr Fuatimu’s family.’’

Det Insp Adkin urged people to contact police if they knew anything about the identities of the people involved. — RNZ

❛ I know I need help for this addiction and leaving pharmaceuticals is the best option for me

to get myself straight