Prison visitor tried to sneak drugs in

A Stirling man who attempted to smuggle cannabis into a prison for an inmate has been slapped with a fine.

Paul Kelly, 39, appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court this week charged with attempting to supply the class B drug at Polmont Young Offenders Institution back in February.

Kelly, from Achray Drive, appeared before Sheriff William Gilchrist on Wednesday June 21.

Fiscal depute Laura Knox told the court how guards spotted the incident during a visit.

Ms Knox said: “This offence took place whilst the accused was visiting.

“Prison guards could see something was passed hand to hand.”

When they conducted a search they discovered a gram of cannabis.

Defending, Frazer McCready told the court how his client felt pressured into supplying the drug.

Mr McCready said: “He has a record and in the course of his dealings has previously been sent to custody.

“He’s aware of what happens in the prison environment when they don’t do what they are asked to do.”

He went on to explain how the inmate had gotten hold of some to smoke and he was asked to get his hands on cannabis and was threatened.

Mr McCready continued: “The inmate was pleading with him to bring some drugs into Polmont for him.

“He was very nervous and authorities could see him sweating.”

Sheriff Gilchrist said: “It may just have been a small amount but it’s particularly serious to have given it to someone in Polmont.”

The Sheriff ordered the man to pay a £150 fine for the incident.