A MAN forged his doctor's signature to get a prescription from a pharmacy in Ayr.

Clive Kennedy of Cortonlea admitted forging the signature to get sleeping tablets on two occasion between August 14, 2014 and December 9, 2016 at Lloyds Pharmacy on Wellington Square.

The 45-year-old appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court before Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart last week. The court heard how Kennedy had attended the chemist with his prescription at 4pm on the day in questions.

Depute Fiscal Lorri Pidgeon explained: "A staff member observed the address for the prescribed drugs came from London and tried to get a hold of the doctor who worked there but was unable to get a hold of anyone.

"She gave the accused the tablets which he paid for by visa card. The woman contacted the practice again and spoke to the doctor. 

"Staff confirmed that they had not seen the accused since October 2013. A staff member faxed the prescription and advised that this was not the doctor's signature. 

"The woman at Lloyds in Ayr contacted the police. They attended Kennedy's address. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply."

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Tony Currie, said: "There is a record here but the most recent goes back some considerable time.

"This comes against a background of alcohol issues. He attended this practice in London on four separate occasions over a period of years. It was the only one of its kind in the UK.

"He believes this treatment was something of a myth. The relationship with this doctor is that he would email the client a repeat prescription.

"The clinic stopped practicing overnight. Mr Kennedy thought he could not receive the same treatment package in the UK. He still needed his tablets and is now receiving advice from a local GP. 

Sentence has been deferred to allow the courts to obtain a criminal justice social work report.