A WIDNES pharmacy worker has appeared in court after stealing £1,300 worth of medication.

It is not the first time Debbie Monaghan has been hauled before magistrates for committing this type of offence.

The 43-year-old admitted charges of theft by an employee and possessing a controlled drug when she appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard from Louise Dempster, prosecuting, how the offence is dated March 26 this year.

Monaghan was employed by Lloyd’s Pharmacy in Widnes when she stole various prescription medication to the value of approximately £1,320.

On the same day, she was caught in possession of the controlled drug, dihydrocodeine, in Widnes.

Magistrates highlighted that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

It was remarked that Monaghan demonstrated a high level of a breach of trust, with the offences committed while she was the subject of a community order for the same offence.

She also has a criminal record of like-offending.

However, taking her guilty pleas into account, they felt compelled to suspend the custodial term.

It was said that she is a ‘realistic prospect for rehabilitation’, and that an immediate sentence would have a significant impact on her daughter, whom she has sole custody of.

Monaghan, of Kremlin Drive in Liverpool, was sentenced to 29 weeks in prison suspended for two years and must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

No order was made for the defendant to pay costs, with compensation of £750 taking priority in light of her ‘limited means’.

Magistrates also approved an order for the forfeiture and destruction of the dihydrocodeine.