This article is from page 26 of the 2012-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
AN IRAQ war veteran who admitted forging a doctor’s prescription has been warned that he faces up to five months in prison.
Ross Culligan (25), with an address at 41 Church Drive, Clarecastle, pleaded guilty to forging a prescription contrary to the misuse of drugs act on dates unknown between February 14 and February 22 (2012) at 41 Church Drive, Clarecastle.
At Ennis District Court on Wednesday Mr Culligan also pleaded guilty to using the forged prescription at Mary Jo Duffy’s Pharmacy, Tesco, Ennis on February 22.
He also pleaded guilty to an offence under the firearms act at Ennis Garda Station on February 23.
Inspector John Galvin told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal of the case.
Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction of the matter. Insp Galvin told the court that staff at the pharmacy alerted gardaí after Mr Culligan attempted to use the prescription. The accused was subsequently found in possession of a .22 calibre bullet by gardaí. Insp Galvin said there was “no hint that he had it for any sinister reason.”
He said Mr Galvin told gardaí that the bullet had come from his foster father’s house.
Insp Galvin said that when confronted by gardai, Mr Culligan was “forthright, honourable” and admitted having the prescription.
The court heard that the offences were committed one month after Mr Culligan had been placed on probation. Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court that his client had been diagnosed with a psychiatric illness as a child.
He said after working as a tradesman, Mr. Culligan joined the British Army. The court heard that the accused served with the Irish Guards in Iraq.
Mr Hassett said, “He saw all the things that people shouldn’t really ever have to see.”
Mr Culligan was discharged from the army after four years for medical reasons, the court heard.
Mr Hassett said his client had been prescribed medication for panic and anxiety.
Judge Durcan noted that Mr Culligan had committed the offence while on a nine-month probation order.
He said, “The man has problems, certainly, but pharmacies have problems with people like your client.”
Mr Hassett said his client is liaising with the probation services and is “staying out of trouble.”
Judge Durcan said, “I have considered the issue of a community order and I am of the view that it is not a suitable case for community work….. It is out as far as I am concerned.”
Judge Durcan said that he “had in mind” a five-month prison sentence. He ordered the preparation of a presentence report from the probation services.
The case was adjourned until October 24.