Jennifer Burke: Penrith nurse stole drugs from St Mary’s Veterinary Hospital

A veterinary nurse who broke into her former workplace to steal drugs including morphine and diazepam to treat her insomnia has had her charges dismissed. See why.

St Marys Veterinary Clinic: Source Supplied

A veterinary nurse who broke into her former workplace and stole drugs in a bid to treat her insomnia has learnt her fate in court.

Jennifer Burke, 42 of Penrith appeared in Penrith Local Court where she pleaded guilty to three counts of breaking, entering and stealing from St Mary’s Veterinary Clinic.

Police facts state on three occasions between May and August earlier this year Burke unlawfully entered the clinic where she had worked for a decade, as well as the attached pharmacy.

On the first offence occurring in May, Burke entered the premises late in the evening and took a 20ml vial of methadone, one box of 5mg diazepam and an extra sheet of diazepam.

In June, Burke returned to take two boxes of Tramadol, and a box of Diazepam.

On the third occasion, on August 14 Burke took one packet of Diazepam as well as Gabapentin.

Jennifer Burke leaves Penrith local court.

Burke used a key she had kept from her employment, taking advantage of her knowledge of where certain drugs were kept, the internal safe located, and where the key was.

A clinic employee noticed certain supplies missing and became suspicious the clinic was being broken into but couldn’t identify signs of forced entry.

The locks on the vet clinic’s doors were changed, but the entry to the adjoining pharmacy remained the same.

Upon reviewing CCTV footage the employee was able to recognise her former colleague, and was prompted to call the police, to whom she gave a copy of the security vision and Burke’s contact details.

Later that day police arranged to meet Burke at St Mary’s police station where she was cautioned and arrested.

While in custody Burke made full admission to breaking, entering and stealing and told police the remaining medications were at her home.

Police then conveyed Burke back to her house in Penrith and she directed them to her bedroom where the drugs were kept in a drawer.

According to Burke’s lawyer, her client was suffering from insomnia and mania at the time and had decided to “take things into her own hands” by obtaining medication to treat it.

The prosecution said the stealing was calculated in nature and were made more serious by the fact Burke was in a position of trust with prior knowledge where the drugs were kept.

The court heard Burke had long suffered depression and bipolar disorder and after she left her job in August things had “gone downhill” for her.

However following her arrest Burke sought to make positive change and started receiving treatment and counselling which she is to continue.

Magistrate Mary Ryan said the charges were objectively serious but were complicated by Burke’s age and lack of criminal history.

She also took into account Burke’s mental health conditions and the steps she had taken since towards healing.

The charges were dismissed under Section 14 of the Mental Health Act with the condition Burke continues to receive treatment.