Courts / Dublin / Report
'Perplexing' case of pharmacy chain owner who lost business after fraudulent claims
Summary
John Corr, 55, owner of five pharmacies, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to seven counts of dishonestly inducing the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service to make duplicate reimbursements at his pharmacies in County Dublin and County Louth between 15 and 30 July 2016. Duplicate claims were identified at five locations, including Clonskeagh, Clarehall, Clogherhead, Blackbull and Mell. Ninety‑four patients were affected, and the total duplicate reimbursement was €8,075.37, with Corr charged with obtaining €3,988.79 by deception. Detective Garda Darren Hughes noted that the investigation began after above‑average payments were observed at Mell. Full restitution was made, and Corr lost his community pharmacy contract with the HSE, effectively ending his business. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Corr's 31‑year pharmacy career, ordered that Corr complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two‑and‑a‑half‑year prison term, with the matter adjourned to 23 June for Probation Service assessment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Perplexing' case of pharmacy chain owner who lost business after fraudulent claims. Charges or matters: seven counts of dishonestly inducing the HSE scheme to make a reimbursement at locations in County Dublin and County Louth on dates between July 15, 2016 and July 30, 2016; obtaining by deception was €3,988.79. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 15, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 30, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 23 Adjournment
- 2021-04-19 Publication
Why: Counsel said he did not have a good reason for the offending of his client, saying that there may have been some perception by his client of underpayment in some other areas. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: seven counts of dishonestly inducing the HSE scheme to make a reimbursement at locations in County Dublin and County Louth on dates between July 15, 2016 and July 30, 2016; obtaining by deception was €3,988.79 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan said he intended to make an order that Corr complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of two-and-a-half years imprisonment. He adjourned the matter to June 23, next, in order to give the Probation Service time to assess whether Corr is suitable for community service.; He adjourned the matter to June 23, next, in order to give the Probation Service time to assess whether Corr is suitable for community service.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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