Couple tried to tackle debt problem by dealing in heroin

A couple tried to solve their debt problems by dealing heroin and valium at Oban, the town’s sheriff court heard yesterday.

Michael Stewart, 33, and Lindy Davies, 24, were facing sentencing after previously admitting being concerned in the supply of the drugs on various dates between January 11-25 this year at Glencruitten Road, Pulpit Hill and elsewhere in the town.

The pair lived at Glencruitten Road when the dealing took place, but have since moved to 16 The Green, Craobh Haven, where they have found jobs at a bar and restaurant.

Police believed that they were selling drugs from the Oban address and searched it on January 25 this year.

Procurator fiscal Scott Simpson said they admitted to police to buying two one-eighth ounces of heroin for £300 and 500 valium tablets for £150 to supply.

Defence agent Duncan Durbin said: “They were heroin users at the time. They had amassed considerable debt. A one-off venture was hatched between the two of them to pick up heroin and valium from the Balloch area for a course of dealing. This was a short-term measure to relieve the debt problems. They hoped to make in the region of £200 profit.

“They hosted parties and in the course of these parties they sold to friends and other people not always known to them. They were amateurish at best in their dealing. They failed to make any profit.”

He said they had now both kicked their heroin habits, Davies with help from a local agency, and Stewart on his own. The court heard that Stewart had more significant problems with heroin over the years and could benefit from a drug treatment and testing order. Sheriff Douglas Small deferred sentence on both until September 16 to investigate his suitability for such an order, adding: “I haven’t ruled out the possibility of sending them to jail.”