Drug dealer jailed after ‘set-up’

A Fife man who believed he was “set up” by other criminals before being caught in a drugs deal has been jailed for 42 months.

Donald Simpson, 44, a prisoner at HMP Perth, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court. He admitted that on August 14 at Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath, he drove when disqualified and without insurance. He also admitted that in Marshall Street, Cowdenbeath, he was concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, amphetamine.

Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said police officers received confidential information that Simpson was in possession of controlled drugs.

At 3.10pm Simpson was seen driving on Arthur Street, stopping the car and walking to Marshall Street, where he crouched down next to another vehicle. Simpson was approached by officers, detained and taken to Dunfermline police station.

The vehicle was searched and drugs with a maximum street value of £6,000 were found.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said: “He became involved in this matter because he owed a drugs debt. He was told to collect a package in Kirkcaldy and deliver it to Crossgates.

“It appears this was a setup to gain favour with the authorities.

“The gain to him was to be £500.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair jailed Simpson and banned him from driving for eight years.