Man was‘useful idiot’for drug dealers

A Stonehouse man caught with heroin worth nearly £10,000 was a “useful idiot”for drug dealers, his lawyer has claimed.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that police officers turned up at James Smith’s home with a search warrant.

John Coogan, prosecuting, said: “The accused was in the living room. When the search started he told the officers,‘it’s heroin, you’ll find it there’, while pointing to an Asda bag.

“The bag contained 204g of heroin with a potential value of £8900 if sold in tenner bag deals. Officers also recovered £215 cash.”

Smith, 50, admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin at his home in Patrickholm Avenue on October 21, 2020.

An allegation that he had the Class A drug with intent to supply others at his home on December 16, 2021, was dropped.

Defence agent Scott Jones said Smith had relapsed into drug use after a number of family bereavements and dealers forced him to look after their heroin.

The solicitor told the court:“he became heavily indebted to those who were supplying him.

“He was taken advantage of and threats were made against him and his family.

“He succumbed to the pressure and became a useful idiot to these people. These were particularly difficult individuals.

“Since committing this offence he no longer takes drugs.”

Sheriff John Speir noted Smith has been in prison before but agreed to consider background reports before passing sentence next month.

He told Smith:“you have not been in trouble for a number of years, but be under no illusion.

“This is a very serious offence and all options, including custody, remain open.”