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A tip-off to Perth Prison officers led to the discovery of drugs paraphernalia - and a small quantity of heroin - in a cell.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode told Perth Sheriff Court that a search was carried out on Michael Martin’s cell at the Edinburgh Road jail.

Officers subsequently seized burnt tinfoil, a clear clingfilm wrap, two tinfoil ‘tooters’ and a small quantity brown powder. That subsequently tested “positive” for the Class A drug.

“It was clear the accused had smoked some of that,” added the fiscal.

Martin (43), of Lauder Crescent, Kirkcaldy, admitted having the heroin in his possession at Perth Prison on May 31 last year.

He was ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work within six months, consecutive to a Community Payback Order he is at present undertaking.

Appearing separately at the same court, 45-year-old Craig Brown was given a threemonth jail term after he was caught with cannabis - and then heroin - at the jail within weeks of each other.

He admitted possessing the Class A and Class B drugs at the jail on December 31, 2016, and January 12, 2017, respectively.

The court heard that the 0.9 grammes of cannabis were worth £25 and the 0.2 grammes of heroin were valued at £20.

The value of the heroin increased to £100 in the jail, however.

A solicitor said Brown, of Bonnyview Drive, Aberdeen, had offended “most of his adult life”.

He added: “He’s also had issues with the use of illicit substances all his adult life.”

His methadone had been stopped and he found himself, as so many prisoners did, “chasing drugs”.