John Bursic: Rockdale man allegedly gave methadone dose to patient who died

A man given a legitimate dose of methadone while in hospital opted to give it to another patient who died after consuming the prescription drug, a court has heard.

A man has been accused of supplying a small quantity of drugs to another patient when he gave them his methadone dose and they died after taking it. Picture: Generic image

A hospitalised Rockdale man allegedly gave his methadone dose to another patient who later died on taking, a court has heard.

John Bursic, 43, was granted bail in Sydney’s Supreme Court on Wednesday after he was arrested for drug supply earlier this year.

The court heard Bursic was given methadone legitimately when he was in hospital with police alleging the Rockdale man provided the dose to another patient who died after taking it.

Bursic’s lawyer said his client had family support and would be monitored by his doctor if granted bail.

The lawyer said the alleged crime had a “very unusual set of facts” and his client was unlikely to commit a similar offence.

John Bursic was granted Supreme Court bail.

He noted Bursic did not have a history of supplying drugs but had committed other driving offences.

Justice Helen Wilson said the prosecution case appeared strong.

“When [Bursic] observed the deceased was in severe medical jeopardy, he went to nursing staff, having admitted he [allegedly] supplied him with methadone,” she said.

“He suggested to the medical staff that ‘narc’ be administered to the deceased to reverse the effects of the opiate.”

Justice Wilson said the alleged supply was “quite unusual” and noted Bursic had not been charged with manslaughter or any other offence relating to the patient’s death.

She said his criminal record was not extensive and principally related to driving and drug possession convictions, indicating he was drug user.

Justice Wilson said a custodial sentence was not inevitable if Bursic was convicted, adding he had already served four months on remand.

Bursic was granted bail to live with his family at Rockdale, he must abide by a curfew, not drink alcohol or take drugs, report to police daily and follow his doctor’s medical treatment.

Bursic will defend the allegations at a Sutherland Local Court on May 16.