News / Drug addict released after shoplifting
A DRUG addict who breached his bail conditions when he was caught shoplifting last month has been released from jail after two weeks behind bars so that he can tackle his drug problems.
The court heard that 25 year old Matthew Smith, of 13 Grodians, Lerwick, was arrested the day after his last court appearance for drug offences. On Monday he pled guilty to stealing a bottle of shampoo from the town’s Tesco superstore on 24 February.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said that Smith had difficulty breaking the cycle of drug taking because of the people that he surrounded himself with.
However defence agent Tommy Allan said he was receiving support from his fiancé who wanted him to kick his drug taking habits.
Sheriff Graeme Napier read out part of a letter that Smith had written to the court in which he described the unpleasantness of injecting heroin.
Sheriff Napier said: “I am aware that some people in Shetland think that heroin is a glamorous drug. It doesn’t seem to be a particularly glamorous drug to me.”
The sheriff agreed to place Smith on a drug treatment and testing order, even though his record suggested there was no enough commitment to make it a success.
As such an order cannot be imposed on someone while they are in prison, the sheriff released Smith on bail on condition that he submit himself to a drugs test any time he was asked to by police officers, including in his own home. Sentence was deferred until 23 March.
ends
Copy from Pete Bevington
Tel/Fax: 01806 503747
Mob: 0777 604 6454
Email: pete@shetland-news.co.uk
Shetland News, The Knowes, Lunning, Vidlin, Shetland ZE2 9QB
Bank details: Shetland News,
Co-operative Bank; account no. 7095 7264; sorting code 08-92-50
VAT registration number 856 5090 07
Copyright on this material is licensed for single use only, on your agreement to pay a fee at or above NUJ rates.
Thankyou.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
