Woman took gran’s medicine

Granddaughter stole prescription

A secret addict stole her gran’s prescription medicine.

Stephanie Esquierdo, 23, nicked the drugs after harbouring a closeted addiction problem, Ayr Sheriff Court heard last week.

Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart slammed Esquierdo for putting her grandmother’s health at risk but spared her jail.

Esquierdo’s lawyer Shona Gallagher revealed her client had hidden her dependence on substances.

Ms Gallagher said it was “a long standing problem kept secret” from Esquierdo’s partner.

Responding to the sheriff’s questions over Esquierdo’s relationship with her gran now, Ms Gallagher said: “There are trust issues that have to be rebuilt.” The lawyer said the gran was concerned about being in the house alone.

She told the court how Esquierdo had sought help from a GP and had met with an addiction worker.

Sheriff Mactaggart said: “Obviously it is a serious matter. She jeopardised her grandmother’s health.

The Sheriff added: “This is a charge, which could well merit a custodial sentence but I’m stepping back from that today.”

Esquierdo, of Dixton Avenue, Logan, was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work and undergo 18 months of supervision.

At an earlier hearing she admitted stealing prescription medicine at Glengairn in Cumnock on November 21 last year.