Court / Three-year supervision for drugs offence

A WOMAN who admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin with a potential value of up to £1,400 has been placed under supervision for three years.

Paula Flaherty, whose address was given as Grampian Prison, had her case adjourned for a criminal justice social work report when it last called at Lerwick Sheriff Court in June.

The 40-year-old had admitted being concerned in the supply of diamorphine at the NorthLink ferry terminal in Lerwick and elsewhere on 11 November last year whilst she was on bail.

The guilty plea however only came as preparations were being made for a jury trial.

The raw value of the heroin involved was £600, with its potential sellable value more than double that.

The court previously heard it was a non-commercial supply to a partner in what was described as a “toxic” relationship.

It was also mentioned that it was Flaherty’s intention to put offending behind her.

At court on Thursday defence agent Liam McAllister said there was a “balancing act” to be had regarding sentencing, with supporting Flaherty’s rehabilitation a factor.

The court heard that she had spent just over two months in custody on the matter already.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank noted it was another example of the ferry being used to transport drugs into Shetland.

But taking everything into account he decided to deal with the matter with a community payback order as an alternative to custody.