A former RAF paramedic who was addicted to codeine forged prescriptions at the medical centre where she worked, a court heard.

Julia Dawn Martin was working as a summariser at Yarm Medical Centre in Yarm where she created false prescriptions.

The 36-year-old became addicted to the drug during her time in the RAF, Teesside Magistrates' Court heard.

Ben Tighe, mitigating, said Martin was given codeine in quantities "a great deal more than she actually needed" due to a medical condition to keep her fit for work.

Her addiction continued and "worsened" after she was medically discharged from the RAF.

Martin then began work at Yarm Medical Centre, on Worsall Road, in July 2011. Her employment ended in December 2011.

Between these dates the mother-of-one was taking up to three times more codeine tablets than her doctor was prescribing her.

She was also taking diazepam to help her come off codeine.

Her addiction led her to print off fake prescriptions and use them at other medical centres across Teesside to obtain the drugs.

The deceit was eventually uncovered when her suspicious colleagues raised concerns with the practice manager and an audit was conducted.

Mr Tighe said Martin is now off codeine and was "appalled and horrified about her behaviour".

Martin, of Clements Rise, Norton, near Stockton admitted 12 counts of making a copy of a false prescription for a scheduled drug with intent.

She was given a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs.

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