A Tauranga doctor who presented bogus prescriptions to obtain anti-depressant drugs is seeking a discharge without conviction.
Ashley John Hodgson 59, of Papamoa Beach, who appeared in Tauranga District Court today, has admitted five charge of dishonestly using a document.
On five occasions between March 10 and 11 this year Dr Hodgson visited three local pharmacies and on three occasions he was dispensed medications, after he pretended to be two male patients and presented fake prescriptions.
His lawyer Bill Nabney argued for a discharge without conviction on the basis that the consequences of a conviction for Dr Hodgson potentially could be severe, and out of all proportion to the gravity of his offending.
Mr Nabney said his client had not offended for personal gain but because of his addiction.