Court / Heroin the ‘purveyor of misery’ as pair linked to its supply jailed
TWO PEOPLE from Lerwick who were linked to a “fairly large” heroin supply enterprise during summer of last year have been jailed.
Jessica Richards, of Ladies Drive, had pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin between 5 July and 18 August at various addresses in the town during an earlier court hearing.
Her co-accused Ryan Henry, of North Lochside, had admitted knowingly permitting or offering his premises to be used for the purpose of supplying heroin.
At Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie confirmed that 46-year-old Henry had full knowledge but “possibly not active involvement” in the venture.
Describing Richards’ criminal justice social work report as “uncomfortable reading”, defence solicitor Tommy Allan conceded a custodial sentence for his client was almost inevitable.
She took full responsibility and did not put any blame on Henry, the solicitor said.
Defending Henry, defence solicitor Liam Mcallister said the position for his client was different in that he was actively trying to come off drugs and had been free from offending for the last 26 years.
During a hearing last month, the court heard how police became aware of Richards’ heroin dealing which led to a search of homes where large sums of money and heroin worth more than £5,000 were confiscated.
Sentencing 34-year-old Richards to two years in prison, sheriff Ian Cruickshank described heroin and drug dealing as the “purveyor of misery” that shatters lives and communities.
He told Henry that he “knowingly permitted” what was “effectively a commercial operation” to take place, and jailed him for 12 months.
Consideration of a confiscation order has been deferred to 14 May.
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