Heroin dealer faces jail term

A heroin dealer caught out by expired tax has been warned to get ready for jail.

Gordon Connelly, 28, was caught with over £ 10,000 worth of the class A drug when police stopped him for a vehicle check on Younger Drive, Prestwick.

The court heard that in the early evening of May 8, 2019, police officers were in uniform patrol and observed Connelly’s vehicle travelling towards Prestwick Airport.

Depute fiscal Kim McGregor said: “They carried out a vehicle check and found the tax to be expired.

“Officers noted a strong smell of cannabis.”

When officers searched the car they found £ 500 cash and a “quantity of brown powder”.

The powder tested for heroin and was said to have a retail value of £ 10,840.

The drug tested for 25 percent purity and weighed 249.3g.

A search warrant was obtained for Connelly’s home but no other evidence was found at the property.

Connelly, of Morton Road, Stewarton, was cautioned and charged to the offence to which he apologised and accepted responsibilty for the heroin.

The drug dealer hugged and kissed loved ones before he entered the dock last Wednesday to tender a guilty plea.

Sheriff Colin Dunipace told Connelly: “With regards to the nature to which you’ve pled guilty to today, the charge will require a criminal justice social work report.

“But be under no illusions- you’ve pled guilty to a very serious matter and the court will look at all options- but you should get ready for a custodial sentence.”

Connelly admitted being concerned in the supply of class A drug diamorphine.

He was also charged with having class B drug cannabis resin in his possession but his not guilty plea was accepted by the Crown.

The diet was adjourned for reports until next month. Connelly, whose bail was continued, will reappear at a later date for sentencing.