Stirling drug dealer could be jailed

Aug 31 2011 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday

A DRUG dealer has been told that she could face jail after she was caught with 47 wraps of heroin.

Celia McGowan (47) pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of the drug when she appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday.

The court heard that she was spotted by police in Maxwell Place in the city on January 10.

Fiscal depute Graham McLachlan told the court: “The officers formed a view that she was acting suspiciously. They were aware of local information regarding the accused and they approached her.

“When she saw the police she put her hands in her pockets and immediately walked away.”

With the officers’ suspicions now heightened, McGowan was stopped and subsequently searched.

Mr McLachlan continued: “A purse was produced by the accused and it was found to contain 47 foil wraps. She was asked what these were and she told them that the wraps were heroin, which turned out to be true.”

Police also found £211 in the purse and some empty wraps of tin foil.

Mr McLachlan added that officers were clear from what was recovered that day that McGowan was dealing.

Sheriff Wyllie Robertson granted McGowan bail and continued the case until next month for reports but said that did not necessarily rule out the possibility of a custodial sentence later being imposed.

McGowan, of Keir Avenue, Stirling, will appear for sentencing on September 21.