A mum was tricked into turning her Aberdeen home into a base for drug dealing by an online love interest.
Stevie Simpson appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, where Sheriff Morag McLaughlin spared her jail only after hearing how time behind bars would affect her young children.
The 27-year-old’s solicitor, Graeme Murray, claimed that his client had fallen victim to a “cynical” ploy increasingly used by drug dealers.
Mr Murray said: “This is a clear instance of what the media are referring to as cuckooing.
“Young mothers are being used by those in the drug trade in a cynical manner.
“She was sent romantic advances on social media, and has learned a harsh lesson.”
Mr Murray said her suitor moved into her home in Davidson Drive in Northfield and set up heroin-dealing operations from there.
The court was told Simpson had not been aware of what was going on, as she has no history of drug use.
Mr Murray added that the man became “threatening” towards her when she started to ask questions.
He said: “Her overwhelming concern is the welfare of her children.”
Sheriff McLaughlin spared Simpson prison, saying she had been assessed as being of “low risk of re-offending”.
Simpson was put under state supervision for two years and ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work. She is also on curfew for 11 months.
