Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman who took hospital prescription pad to make fake scripts jailed for 18 months
Summary
Kym Dunleavy, 50, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to multiple charges of using a false instrument. The charges related to medical prescriptions she knew to be false, used on various dates between November 2018 and April 2019. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Dunleavy has a considerable history of offending, including 71 previous convictions, and a probation report places her at high risk of re-offending. Although the judge acknowledged mitigation factors, including that Dunleavy has no convictions since 2021 and no longer abuses prescribed medication, she highlighted that Dunleavy failed to engage with psychiatric services or the Probation Service. Judge Crowe had previously adjourned the case to allow Dunleavy the opportunity to "put her best foot forward." In determining the sentence, the judge considered the maximum penalty of 10 years and deemed a headline sentence of two and a half years appropriate given the time elapsed. Taking all mitigation into account, Judge Crowe imposed the final sentence of 18 months in prison. Dunleavy described the term as "disgraceful" and "ridiculous" as she was escorted from the court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman who took hospital prescription pad to make fake scripts jailed for 18 months. Charges or matters: multiple charges of using a false instrument, a medical prescription which she knew to be false, on various dates between November 2018 and April 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-07-28 Publication
Why: She said she had approached her GP because the one sleeping tablet she had previously been prescribed was not enough to deal with her anxiety. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: multiple charges of using a false instrument, a medical prescription which she knew to be false, on various dates between November 2018 and April 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Crowe noted that Dunleavy has not followed through on referrals to psychiatric services nor has she properly engaged with the Probation Service, even though the service has indicated that Dunleavy would benefit from probation supervision. Judge Crowe said taking the mitigation in the case into account she would impose a sentence of 18 months in prison.; Judge Crowe had previously adjourned the case to allow Dunleavy the opportunity to "put her best foot forward".
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin hospital
- Beaumont Hospital
- St Josephs Place
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request