Patel Sentencing Hearing Resumes in Woodstock

Monday, 31 July 2017 14:09

Defense Lawyer claims that Patel did not do this for money, but merely out of the kindness of his heart.

UPDATE: The sentencing hearing for a former local pharmacist Yogesh Patel has officially wrapped up.

The judge will not be making a decision today and Patel will have to come back before the court on September 19th at 2:00 p.m. The Defense is asking for a 2 year prison term and 3 years probation. The crown is seeking a 15 year prison term in a federal penitentiary.

WOODSTOCK - The sentencing hearing for a local pharmacist accused of trafficking prescription drugs continues in Woodstock this afternoon.

47 year old Yogesh Patel has already pleaded guilty to his charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, forging a false document, fraud and theft over $5,000 at the Rexall Pharmacy on Springbank Ave.

During the hearing today the court was told that Patel stole 5000 fentanyl patches and 1500 hydromorphone pills using a sophisticated system. He was eventually caught by police who were following William Minton. Officers caught Minton and Patel exchanging the drugs at various parking lots in the Friendly City.

This had been going on for about 2 years starting in 2014. The crown brought forward expert witnesses from the OPP and Woodstock Police Service. Detective Sergeant Heidi Becks from the Woodstock Police was the lead investigator in this case. She testified that they were originally investigating William Minton when he brought them to Patel.

The crown also made their case about the dangers of these drugs and the impact they have on the community. They provided stats from the past 5 years about the number of opioid overdoses and deaths in Ontario and how they have been steadily increasing. Detective Sergeant Becks also read a letter from Addiction Services of Thames Valley. The letter outlined the severity of Patel's crime and the impact it has on the community of Woodstock. They pointed out the amount of people that are currently suffering from addiction and the strain it has on them and their families. They also talked about the strain this puts on our local resources, everything from policing to counselling and mental health. The letter also pointed out the issue of trust. They noted their clients may no longer trust their local pharmacist because of this case.

Patel's lawyer tried to paint a picture of a good man who made a very grave mistake. He was quick to point out that Patel did not suffer from addiction and did not live beyond his means. He tried to tell the court Patel did not do this for money, but merely out of the kindness of his heart. Patel contends he gave the drugs to Minton because he felt sorry for him because he no longer had a family doctor and couldn't get a proper prescription to get the pain treatment he needed. He also claims they did not exchange the drugs for money, sometimes Minton would give him gifts like perfume or alcohol and rarely was cash exchanged.

The crown disputed this as evidence and told the Judge it should not be heard at a sentencing hearing because they have no way to dispute it. The Judge agreed and that information will not be used in his sentencing.