Prisoner caught with heroin

A prisoner at Perth was caught with almost £1,000 of class A drugs after picking them up in another prisoner’s cell.

Sean Stewart was searched by prison officers acting on intelligence.

Depute fiscal Craig Donald said the amount was 1.9g with a prison value of £950.

He said: “It was an intelligence-led search.

“Officers became aware that the accused may be in possession of drugs and he was searched, and the drugs were recovered.”

Stewart’s solicitor said his anticipated release date was not until June 18.

She said: “Mr Stewart was placed in segregation and lost his privileges for 14 days as a result.

“He was in someone else’s cell but he picked it (the heroin) up and takes responsibility.

“He places a lesser value on it than the court.”

The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing heroin at Perth prison on January 26.

Sheriff William Wood sentenced him to an additional 10 months in prison.

The case comes just days after a prisoner allegedly filmed himself snorting “cocaine” on an illicit mobile phone at the prison.

The Scottish Prison Service launched an investigation after William Dempster posted the film on social media.

The 27-year-old, who was jailed for theft, has now been moved into segregation while prison officials investigate.