Vets’ identities stolen for drugs
A COMPANY director stole the identities of vets to get drugs.
Hooked on painkillers and tranquilisers, Ryan Curtis researched medics and then used their identities to forge prescriptions.
He then sold drugs to an insomnia sufferer who met him online, but was caught after pharmacists across Greater Manchester became suspicious of the quantities of diazepam, codeine and zopiclone he was obtaining.
The medics whose names he was using - from the UK and Austria - were questioned and told investigators they had no knowledge of the prescriptions.
The Stalybridge home Curtis shared with his 33-year-old partner, Natalie Lewis and their two children was raided and officers recovered a computer containing a label printing programme, along with labels relating to prescriptions from a fake medic.
Now Curtis, who ran an aerial photography firm, has been jailed for two years and eight months after he pleading guilty to fraud by false representation, making articles for the use of fraud and supply of class C Drugs.
Natalie Lewis, who had presented prescriptions on her partner Curtis’ behalf, admitted deception and was given a three-year conditional discharge after a judge said her role was minimal.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard Curtis, 31, presented 34 faked prescriptions - using stamps and holograms ordered from the internet to make them look genuine. He also created an identity card in the name of Dr Curtis purporting to be a vet. He had become addicted to prescription drugs after suffering back problems and anxiety, the court heard.
Prosecuting, Andrew Mackintosh said: “Curtis set up a scheme to obtain class B and C drugs using fraudulent vet prescriptions and matters came to light following presentation of a number of prescriptions.”
Chudi Grant, defending Curtis, said: “He has had a back problem for a number of years going back eight or nine years and also suffers anxiety and it was for this reason that he was prescribed medication. His use of prescribed medication increased and that has spiralled out of control.”
Sentencing Curtis, Judge Mark Savill told him: Given the level of sophistication and how long it went on for, these offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be imposed.”