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A pharmacist who failed to self-report multiple police cautions and convictions, including one for driving while under the influence of cocaine, has been struck off the General Pharmaceutical Council's register following a recent fitness to practise hearing.  

Pharmacist Ciaran McGivern had received three convictions, the first two in December 2021 at Carlisle Magistrates Court on counts of driving with cocaine in his blood and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.

This followed a June 2021 incident that saw police pull him over after checks indicated the Mercedes he was driving was not insured.  

Mr McGivern received a separate conviction for driving without insurance at Craigavon Magistrates Court on August 9, 2023.  

He also received two police cautions, the first in May 2023 for stealing Easter eggs worth £175 from a branch of Tesco in Antrim.

The second caution from Newtownabbey Police Station in August 2023 was for using the name and personal details of his sister’s former partner to rent a property in order to avoid financial checks.  

Mr McGivern did not attend the December fitness to practise hearing and reportedly did not engage with the GPhC at any point in the regulator’s investigations. 

The FtP committee found his conduct and failure to self-report to the regulator demonstrated “a pattern of wilful disregard for legal and ethical obligations imposed on him as a pharmacy professional”.

It added that he had failed to demonstrate insight into the impact of his actions on the public, including the risk posed by driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Noting that misconduct involved “dishonesty and deception,” the committee found his “integrity can no longer be relied upon”.

Weighing up the possible sanctions at its disposal, the committee judged that imposing a suspension order would not adequately “mark the seriousness” of Mr McGivern’s convictions, cautions and misconduct.

The committee decided to remove his name from the register, imposing an interim suspension order during the 28-day appeal period to prevent him from practising as a pharmacist before the removal order takes effect. 

Related: Pharmacy technician struck off for taking part in £600k cocaine smuggling