Montrose Facebook Messenger drug dealers avoid prison

A couple who took drug deal orders over Facebook have avoided jail terms.

Edward Hayes and Katarzyna Bielec sold cannabis from their home in Montrose, to customers who contacted them by Facebook Messenger.

When the property was raided in March last year police found heroin worth £1,340, cannabis worth £525 and £613.50 in cash – some of the profits of their dealing.

A probe revealed Facebook messages from prospective customers were sent to Bielec’s account over a six-month period, starting in October 2015.

Depute fiscal Vicki Bell told Dundee Sheriff Court that they referenced “weights, prices and smoke”.

She added: “There were also text messages on phones relating to the accused over that period.

“Both denied any knowledge of dealing activity when interviewed by police.”

Bielec, 35, and Hayes, 40, both of Montrose, pleaded guilty on indictment to charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Defence solicitor Grant Bruce, for Hayes, said: “This is his fourth conviction for being concerned in the supply of drugs and he appreciates he is in a difficult position.”

However, Sheriff George Way opted not to jail either of them.

He sentenced Bielec to a community payback order with one year’s supervision and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Hayes was given a community payback order with one year’s supervision and a drug treatment requirement.

He was also made the subject of a restriction of liberty order confining him to his home on an electronic tag between 8pm and 7am every day for four months.