A fraudulent pharmacist has been sentenced to six years’ prison. 

A former NSW pharmacist has been sentenced to imprisonment for his role in conspiring to defraud taxpayers more than $19 million.

In April 2021, a jury found the man guilty of conspiring to defraud the Commonwealth. He had been remanded in custody since that time.

He has now been sentenced before the Sydney Downing Centre District Court to six years and four months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of four years.

The man was sentenced for his role in conspiring to defraud taxpayers more than $19 million by falsely claiming benefits under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The Department of Health says the action against the man was the result of a tip off to its hotline.

It also said that the sentencing was the culmination of work involving the department, federal police and prosecutors.

“The sentencing outcome shows the serious consequences of attempts by trusted health providers to defraud taxpayers,” a statement from the department said.