A FORMER mental health nurse who was convicted of stealing 'popper' style drugs from a busy A&E department, has died suddenly.
Trevor Fleming, (53) of Ballydonaghy Road, Crumlin, passed away in hospital on Tuesday, July 19 following a short illness.
He previously held the high-ranking post as head of Mental Health Nursing Services in the Northern Health Trust but was suspended in April following a conviction for stealing drugs from Antrim Area Hospital last year.
Former colleague Ann Scott, the first ever nurse consultant in mental health in Northern Ireland, said she was "saddened" to learn of his death.
"I'm so saddened at the death of Trevor. You were an exceptional nurse and you were instrumental in shaping my nursing career," she said in an online condolence page.
Mrs Scott said the "respect and high regard" Mr Fleming was held in was reflected by the numbers who attended last Friday's funeral at All Saints Parish Church of Ireland church and "the town of Antrim came to a standstill".
"You left us far too soon but left behind a legacy many will aspire to. Knowing you as well as I did I know you are safe in the arms of Jesus and your work on earth is done. It was a privilege to have known you as a friend," she added.
Sympathies were also expressed by Antrim Community Church, where the 53-year-old was a "highly esteemed deacon" and member.
"He will be greatly missed," they said.
An online notice described Mr Fleming as the son of Jean and the late James and brother to Jennifer and partner of Sean.
Last August Mr Fleming was convicted of stealing almost £1,000 of "popper" style drugs from Antrim Area Hospital's A&E department.
He pleaded guilty to taking seven boxes of amyl nitrate inhalers and was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service.
The medication is widely used for recreational purposes in the gay community.
In April a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel suspended Mr Fleming's licence for a year following his conviction.
