A MAN has avoided jail after admitting to altering a prescription.

Stewart Wilson, of Annpit Road Ayr, plead edguilty to using a genuine prescription issued by a doctor, which was altered without authority, and presenting this to a counter assistant at the pharmacy in Morrisons in Ayr on June 13, 2017.

The 46-year-old appeared before Sheriff John Montgomery at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal, Jason Bell, explained: “It was around 5.15pm when the accused entered the supermarket at the pharmacy for Mirtazapine and Dihydrocodeine.

“The pharmacist was concerned as it looked like the prescription had been altered with the use of a different ink. Checks were carried out with the doctor who confirmed that the prescription had been altered.”

The accused was traced after being identified on CCTV – he wasn’t cautioned and charged at the time.

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Mr Pringle, said: “Mr Wilson has accepted his actions and advises that he was drinking heavily whilst on antidepressants.”

Sheriff Montgomery, asked: “Why did he do it?”

Mr Pringle, replied: “He was drinking my Lord and he took that course of action.”

Sentence was deferred for good behaviour for three months.