‘County lines’ dealing suspect is banned from entering country

24-year-old given one day to leave Scotland and not return except for hearings and meetings with solicitors

A suspected “county lines” drug dealer has been banned from Scotland.

Tyler Simmonds was given 24 hours to get out of the country by a sheriff when he appeared from custody at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday.

The 24-year-old was given until noon today to be gone from Scotland as an extra condition of being freed on bail until his trial.

Simmonds, of High Street, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, denied being concerned in the supply of heroin in Glenearn Road, Perth, on March 10.

Depute fiscal Michael Sweeney asked for Simmonds to be remanded in custody and said: “It is the Crown’s position that the accused presents as being a flight risk.

“He is suspected of being part of a ‘county lines’ operation to supply drugs and that is his purpose for being here.

“If your Lordship is not with the Crown, I would be seeking a special bail condition for the accused not to enter Scotland, save for appointments with his solicitor and court hearings.”

Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said his client was not working and had suffered from post traumatic stress as the result of an accident.

He said the interests of the fatherof-three and the public could both be protected by granting him bail with a condition to stay out of Scotland.

“I would ask the court to allow him 24 hours to leave and that is a condition he would adhere to.”

Sheriff Pino di Emidio said: “Your solicitor has moved for bail and the Crown have opposed bail. I consider it’s appropriate to admit you to bail.

“There will be an additional bail condition for you to leave Scotland within 24 hours of this appearance and then not to enter Scotland except for pre-arranged meetings with solicitors and for court hearings.” Simmonds’ trial will be held in June. County lines refers to the drug trade targeting rural and smaller towns instead of cities and often features an element of child exploitation.