THREE current or former Yeovil residents have appeared in court after admitting offences linked to the theft and supply of drugs in Somerset.

Alastair Caines, 41, of Yeovil, Stuart Eales, 55, formerly of Yeovil, and Louise Larby, 42, formerly of Yeovil, were all sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on Monday (September 14).

The prosecution followed a two-year investigation which began when a pharmacy contacted police after becoming aware of discrepancies in their stock.

Prior to the sentencing hearing, all three had previously admitted conspiring to:
sell/supply prescription-only medicine (Oramorph) not in accordance with a prescription
supply controlled drug class C – Zopiclone
supply controlled drug class B – Dihydrocodeine
supply controlled drug class C – Diazepam
supply controlled drug class C – Pregabalin

Stuart Eales and Louise Larby both also previously admitted a charge of theft by employee, namely the controlled drugs between May 2022 and March 2024, while working for a pharmacy.

Alastair Caines was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, a three-month home detention curfew and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement.

Stuart Eales was handed six-month jail term, suspended for one year. He must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Louise Larby was sentenced to an 18-month community order, a 20-day rehabilitation requirement and a nine-month mental health treatment requirement.

All three denied a further charge of conspiring to supply Tramadol, a class C controlled drug and this charge will lie on file.

A fourth person, a woman, previously arrested in connection with the investigation, was released without charge.

“Selling or sharing prescription-only medication is a criminal offence,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

“Taking a drug without the proper medical assessment carries a significant risk of an adverse reaction.

“There is support for those struggling with drug use, and their families.”

For more information on services available to tackle drug and alcohol problems, visit somerset.gov.uk/health-safety-and-wellbeing/drugs-and-alcohol.

READ MORE: Yeovil man Leon Walker jailed for 2023 rape of a woman met on a dating app
READ MORE: Crime news from your New Blackmore Vale