Man returned to crime after 'international' bureaucracy scuppered his attempts to get clean of drugs

Blackburn magistrates heard Kristopher John Murphy moved to Accrington from Scotland to try and change his life.

He was put on a methadone prescription but was then told because it had been prescribed in Scotland it was terminated and it took two months before he could arrange a doctor in England and get the prescription renewed.

"Without the heroin substitute he resorted to old ways and started stealing to fund the use of street drugs," said Damien Pickup, defending. "But for bureaucracy these offences would not have been committed. He wants to turn his life around and hopes you will give him the chance to do that."

Murphy, of Edgar Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to nine charges of shoplifting.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months with 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement. He was ordered to pay £304 compensation.

Mr Pickup during his last prison sentence in Scotland Murphy had decided enough was enough and on his release came to stay with his sister in Accrington.

He made contact with the drug agency, Inspire, and continued on his methadone prescription.

"Early in March he went to Inspire to collect his prescription and was told it had been terminated," said Mr Pickup. "He was told a doctor in England had not authorised the prescription but a doctor in Scotland. They apologised but said they were tied by bureaucracy."

Mr Pickup said that once he was able to get an appointment with a doctor and the prescription was reinstated be had not offended.