West Bromwich GP took own pills

May 7 2008 By Gary Marks

A DRUG-addicted doctor used a patient's name to make out prescriptions for himself, but was caught because a pharmacist could not read his writing.

Mark McGeown had personal and financial problems and became hooked on opiates, but did not want to show "weakness" by seeking help from colleagues at his West Bromwich surgery.

The 47-year-old began self-medicating by taking drugs returned by patients, David Morris, defending, told Wolverhampton Crown Court.

He used a patient's name to satisfy his addiction, but was found out when he took a prescription form to a pharmacy. Staff there made a check call because they could not read his writing.

McGeown, of Alexandra Court, Halesowen, admitted 12 charges of providing false information to obtain prescript- ions. He was given a 12-month community order, with 120 hours of unpaid work, and told to pay £2,600 costs.

Judge Michael Challinor said he had destroyed his career, but added: "No public good will come from me imprisoning you."

He said McGeown brought himself before the court because of his reluctance to seek help from colleagues and faced being struck off.

John Evans, prosecuting, said McGeown made out 86 prescriptions to himself in the patient's name and took them to a number of pharmacies.

After his arrest, McGeown said he had been doing it for almost three years and, because he was an extremely private person, found it hard to admit he had problems.

Mr Morris said McGeown had to carry the burden of problems that were both emotional and financial and had succumbed to overwork.