A single father and pharmacist, Gareth Parry, found himself in court after stealing prescription drugs from the pharmacies where he worked. He claimed to have taken the medication to manage the pain from old rugby injuries. Parry, 44, was caught on CCTV footage pilfering drugs like diazepam, temazepam, and tramadol during his shifts at various chemists and pharmacies in south Wales. His actions came to light when he was observed shoplifting the drugs, leading to his arrest and subsequent court appearance at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
The thefts, which occurred between February and March the previous year, involved stealing diazepam from Cwmfelin Pharmacy in Swansea, as well as taking diazepam, temazepam, and tramadol from Morlais Medical Centre in Merthyr Tydfil. Additionally, Parry was found to have pocketed diazepam from the Co-Operative Pharmacy in Hirwaun. Following reports of the thefts, a search of Parry’s residence uncovered a significant stash of prescription drugs, despite his protestations of innocence. This led to his confession and subsequent guilty plea to four counts of theft by an employee.
During the sentencing hearing, it was revealed that Parry had a history of 12 previous convictions, including offences such as shoplifting prescription drugs. Notably, he had fabricated a story about his mother’s death to excuse missing a probation appointment. His defence barrister, Richard Ace, highlighted Parry’s struggles with mental health issues stemming from a failed marriage and his sole responsibility in caring for his child. Ace mentioned that Parry had turned to excessive diazepam usage and tramadol to manage his chronic pain from rugby injuries.
Despite his remorse and recognition of the gravity of his actions, Parry was made aware by the court that he would not be able to work as a pharmacist again. Instead, he has transitioned to employment at Amazon, working tirelessly six days a week to support his son through university. In the sentencing, Judge Jeremy Jenkins considered the breach of trust inherent in Parry’s actions and handed down a suspended 20-week prison sentence, combined with 200 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement over ten days.
The case underscores the challenges faced by individuals coping with personal struggles and the dangers of succumbing to substance abuse to alleviate pain. Parry’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of unethical behaviour, even in the face of personal hardship. It also sheds light on the importance of seeking help and support during difficult times rather than resorting to illegal activities. Gareth Parry’s journey from a respected pharmacist to a convicted thief highlights the complexities of personal redemption and the consequences of one’s choices.