Sheriff's jail warning for Inverness mum who supplied drugs

An Inverness mother who was concerned in the supply of controlled prescription drugs, is now helping others who are trying to get away from such substances.

This was heard at Inverness Sheriff Court when Stacey Wallace (33) appeared for sentence after admitting three charges of supplying quantities of gabapentinoids, clonazepam and alprazalam.

It was also heard she had previous convictions for similar offences.

Fiscal depute Grant MacLennan said police with a warrant went to her address in Briargrove Terrace at about 11.20am on February 17 last year.

On entering, police saw Wallace put something down the back of the couch where she was sitting and this transpired to be a controlled drug.

The house was searched and officers took possession of items including scales and a bag containing tablets which were sent for analysis and found to be the Class C drugs in the charges.

Defence solicitor Graham Mann said on Wallace's behalf that background reports indicated she was working really hard to turn her life around and this included moving to a new address.

He added: "She is also assisting in counselling people who are trying to get away from drugs."

Sheriff Gary Aitken pointed out to Wallace that this was her third similar conviction and added: "You are in a very precarious situation. Custody today would have a catastrophic effect on your home life."

He ordered that Wallace be placed under an 18-month supervision order and carry out 160 hours of unpaid community work as a "direct alternative to custody".

Sheriff Aitken also warned her that any failure to comply with these orders or any re-offending would inevitably lead to jail.