Prison for woman who had heroin

Cops also find knife, cash

A woman found in possession of a knife and a quantity of hard drugs in Riverside has been jailed for six months.

Her male co-accused, who was also found with scissors and Class A drugs, was dealt with by way of a community payback order.

Ashleigh Jade Bonny (25), of Broad Street, had a locking Stanley knife and around £150 worth of heroin while on Shore Road on January 31.

And Patrick Russell Edgar (27), of no fixed abode, was found by police to have a pink pair of scissors – complete with white polka dots – and around £30 worth of the drug.

Stirling Sheriff Court heard last week how the duo were stopped by police patrolling the area on the day in question.

Fiscal depute Adrian Fraser said: “The officers noticed that Patrick Edgar appeared unsteady on his feet. After approaching they noticed that they were both agitated. They took the view that they were under the influence of something.”

Edgar explained to officers that he was a recovering addict who had just used heroin. A search was then carried out and police found drugs and what would appear to be offensive weapons on both.

Defence solicitor Virgil Crawford was representing both Bonny and Edgar at court last Wednesday morning.

And he said: “The two accused had been in each other’s company from earlier that day. The scissors found on Mr Edgar were fairly standard scissors. They were pink with white polka dots – not the most discreet of items.

“He says he wanted to use them to open the wrappings the drugs were in. He would previously use his teeth but he has recently had all his teeth removed.

“The Stanley knife found on Ms Bonny actually had a lock on it. It was not hidden away and she maintains she had it to complete tasks – opening boxes and opening the bags the drugs were in.”

He added: “Mr Edgar has been in custody since February 1. The removal of his teeth is indicative of the issues he has. He was concerned about the pain he felt and he got them removed despite being advised not to. I ask that Your Lordship deals with him by way of a community payback order.

“Ms Bonny’s difficulty with drugs are well outlined.”

Addressing Edgar, Sheriff William Gilchrist said: “The psychiatrist report shows two problems – your addiction and mental health. Your fate is in your own hands. If you take the support it will be to your benefit.”

He was placed under supervision for a period of 18 months with a drug treatment requirement. A further review was fixed for three months’ time.

Sheriff Gilchrist told Bonny: “You have a history of violence and you were found in possession of an offensive weapon. I am satisfied custody is the appropriate option.”

She was sent to prison for a period of six months.