A woman who registered at seven GP practices, lying about her address, has been sentenced for fraud.
Samantha Ferrier-Biston, from Cardiff, pleaded guilty to 13 charges of Fraud by False Representation, and was given a 20 week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and must pay £1318.16, the value of the fraud, back to the NHS as well as £750.00 investigation costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
She lied to seven GP surgeries in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area about her address so she could register as a patient.
The 35-year-old – who was addicted to prescription drugs – then tried to deceive doctors and nurses during consultations, claiming she had various medical complaints in order to obtain prescriptions.
Between May 2015 and October 2015, Ferrier-Biston also submitted nine prescriptions to community pharmacies, which had been altered to gain medication for her own personal use.
Craig Greenstock, counter fraud manager, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said, “We take fraud very seriously and will take firm action against the dishonest minority, who have no qualms about stealing NHS drugs for their own gain.”
