£400 fine for being caught with heroin

A heroin addict has been rapped for being caught with a stash of the killer drug.

Robert Bews, 37, was caught with the class-A drug when cops carried out a search at his home.

He begged for another chance after claiming he had checked himself in for rehab.

During a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court, Bews admitted possessing opiates.

Defence lawyer Goia Modlin insisted her client is trying to kick his habit.

She said: “He had a substantial addiction to both heroin and alcohol.

“He’s a single man and lives alone. This was in his home.

“He is getting treatment for his addictions.

“He has been attending Renfrewshire Drugs Service on a voluntary basis.

“He’s on the waiting list for an inpatient treatment place. “He’s addressing his issues. “I would ask for a disposal that allows him to continue to do that.”

Bews was caught with heroin at his flat near Paisley town centre.

He pleaded guilty to the possession charge on the morning he was due to stand trial.

Ms Modlin had appealed for a reduction in his sentence due to his plea.

She claimed her client did not know what the powder was.

The brief insisted she was waiting for forensic tests to reveal whether it was heroin before her client admitted his guilt.

Police uncovered the haul after carrying out a search last November 10.

The court heard he has a record for drugs offences.

Sheriff David Pender warned he would not cut the penalty due to his admission coming at a late stage in the proceedings.

He said: “It was in your possession and it was heroin.

“If you plead guilty at an early stage, there is a reduction in sentence.

“I am not prepared to do that here.

“You must have known what it was.”

Bews, of George Street, was fined £400.