Stirling drug dealer jailed for 15 months

Jul 29 2011 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Friday

A STIRLING drug dealer caught with 28g of heroin in his shorts has been jailed for 15 months.

Police made the find after raiding Francis McGowan’s home in Mossgiel Avenue, Raploch, on September 10 last year, Stirling Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday.

Fiscal depute Lindsey Brooks said that police had initially obtained a search warrant for an address in Barnton Street, Stirling.

While no drugs were found at this address as the warrant was executed, the occupant was said to have been interviewed by the police and had “made allegations about the accused providing heroin to her”.

Having received this information, cops obtained a further warrant for McGowan’s house which was targeted the same day.

Mrs Brooks said: “It was 2pm when the police went to the accused’s house. Entry was forced and the accused was found in bed.

“He was asked if he was in possession and he said that he wasn’t.

“A search of the accused found a suspicious item in his shorts and this item was found to be a bag containing powder.”

This later was found to be 28g of heroin, valued as it was at between £700 and £800.

McGowan, (42), of Mossgiel Avenue, was detained and made no reply to caution and charge. He later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supplying of the controlled drug, on the basis that it was for social supply.

McGowan’s agent George Pollock said that a court report indicated that his client was a drug user.

Mr Pollock added: “It is my information that Mr McGowan had been taken off a methadone prescription.

“That left him in a position where he was sourcing heroin for his own use. It is accepted that he would have used a significant proportion of the heroin.”

He added that McGowan also had an arrangement with the other woman whereby she would have “access to this heroin”.

Mr Pollock continued: “She would have had to purchase that. Although money would have passed hands the plea was tendered on the basis that he was not selling at large in the community.”

Jailing McGowan, Sheriff Wyllie Robertson said: “As far as I can see, your record does not disclose any analogous offending, though it does have convictions for possession of drugs.

“You have an extensive criminal record in respect of other matters.

“Your dealing was restricted to this arrangement and not at large dealing within the community.

“Nevertheless, the court has to consider seriously any offending of this nature.

“In these circumstances, the only appropriate sentence is a custodial one.”

McGowan was then jailed for 15 months, this sentence being reduced from 20 months due to his guilty plea.