Heroin seized during city stop and search

Described as a prisoner at Perth, he also admitted that on April 3, 2019, at his house in Sandpiper Gardens, Perth, he intentionally obstructed police by placing his hands down the rear of his trousers and attempting to conceal heroin.

Miller further pled guilty to assaulting PC Steven Cochrane by punching him on the head the same day.

The last two offences took place while the accused was subject to a November 5, 2018, bail order from the Perth court at the time.

The court heard police had been called to the railway station in connection with “an unconnected matter.”

The depute fiscal explained: “They saw the accused leaving a train. He appeared to be nervous, his speech was slurred and he was acting erratically.”

He was detained under the 1971 Drugs Act and told officers: “It’s only personal use, for f***’s sake” - and was then searched.

A bag containing 94.93 grammes of brown powder, later confirmed to be heroin, was recovered.

Officers placed an “as seen” value of £1800 on it, with a maximum potential value of £3000.

A search warrant was subsequently executed at the accused’s home on April 3 this year.

Miller had earlier been detained in Perth city centre and handcuffed before being taken to his home.

When they got there, the cuffs were removed so he could be searched fully.

He then removed the wrap from his boxers and attempted to hide it internally. He dropped it as he was overpowered.

The depute fiscal added: “As he did this, he swung a punch towards one of the officers, connecting with his face.”

When charged with assault, Miller replied: “If I had punched him he would be on the floor.”

A solicitor for the accused said he was originally from East Kilbride but had stayed in Perth since he was about 21.

Miller had experienced custody on three previous occasions, the last in 2014.

The lawyer added: “He began using heroin in early 2018 due to personal issues and losing his job. “It clearly spiralled out of control.” Sheriff William Wood deferred sentence, with the accused in custody, until July 31 and called for a background report.

He added: “It may - or may not - affect the final disposal but will give a better picture of you and any difficulties you may have.”