Ormiston man Matthew Joel Apps in court over misspelt, forged doctor’s script

A bayside subcontractor has faced court after a spelling slip-up alerted an observant pharmacist to his crimes.

A bayside subcontractor has faced court after his incorrect spelling on a stolen, forged doctors script alerted pharmacists to his crimes. Pic: Claudia Baxter

A bayside subcontractor has faced court after his spelling error led to pharmacists discovering his forged and stolen doctor’s script.

Ormiston resident, Matthew Joel Apps, 25, pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 9, to one count of uttering a forged document and one count of unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

The court heard Apps unlawfully obtained a doctor’s prescription from a medical centre on December 10, last year.

“Police were alerted to a call from Ramsey Health Care to report that their premise had been broken into and five prescription pads had been stolen,” the police prosecutor said.

“They contacted the doctor to confirm the script had not been issued.

“The defendant went to a pharmacy in Ormiston and presented the script to staff.

“They requested to confirm his identity.

“Spelling issues on the script caused suspicion among the staff for its legitimacy.”

His lawyer, Kate Jamieson, said her client had breached a suspended sentence for a previous offence.

“It’s difficult to argue against the suspended sentence being activated,” Ms Jamieson said.

“He has now served 41 days in custody.

“He’s been diagnosed with anxiety and has suffered from drug induced psychosis.”

Magistrate Deborah Vasta ordered Apps to be put on an 18-month probation order, with immediate parole.