News / Sheriff refuses bail to alleged heroin supplier
A MAN facing drug-related charges including allegedly supplying heroin in Lerwick last year has been remanded in custody for a month pending trial.
Ian Lloyd Smith, 43, from Devon, had previously appeared in private at Lerwick Sheriff Court in November 2015, when he also spent some time on remand.
But he failed to appear earlier this year, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.
On Monday, Smith appeared to plead not guilty to supplying heroin, a class A substance, at Islesburgh House in Lerwick’s King Harald Street, Ladies Drive and elsewhere on or between 8 and 18 November last year.
He also denies possession class B drug cannabis and cannabis resin at Islesburgh House on 18 November.
Smith is also accused of failing to comply with his bail conditions by failing to leave Shetland within 12 hours of being granted bail on 20 November.
Appearing on behalf of his solicitors, defence agent Tommy Allan said Smith had been unable to afford the cost of travelling all the way from Devon as he only receives £73 a week in benefits.
But procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie opposed a bail application, saying the court could have no confidence that Smith would attend for his trial.
Sheriff Philip Mann agreed and remanded him in custody until his trial on 29 September, with an intermediate diet to take place by video link on 13 September.
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