INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Nairn woman spared jail after sheriff told she had turned her life around
The woman had been caught in possession of crack cocaine and heroin.
Johan McKegney (41), of John Street, Nairn, appeared for sentence at Inverness Sheriff Court after admitting being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.
The court heard that she had been seen by officers loitering in School Lane and the Academy Street areas of Inverness on February 25, 2018.
Fiscal depute Susan Love said: "At around 10.15am police officers were carrying out routine patrols on Church Street, Inverness.
"The accused was seen loitering nearby.
"Constables exited their vehicle and approached the accused and it was then it was noticed she had numerous wraps in her hand."
The court heard she had five wraps in her hand and more hidden about her person.
Tests later found there was crack cocaine and heroin in the various wraps.
A search warrant was later carried out on her home at John Street in Nairn and officers found drug paraphernalia.
Defence solicitor Willie Young told Sheriff Sara Matheson that his client had developed significant addiction issues from a young age and had taken steps to address them.
"There was a gap in her offending until she entered into a relationship with an individual who is no stranger to the court and has a significant role in the drug world. Then there was a downward spiral. He was providing drugs for her habit and she was using them on a daily basis in significant quantities.
"When he was remanded in custody, it left her with a significant habit still and the drugs she was found with, some were to be sold on to fund her own use. "She has done everything she can to turn her life around, moved to Nairn and removed herself from her former associates. She has been abstinent from drugs since 2019 and is engaging with the local drug and alcohol team."
Sheriff Matheson told Mr Young she was considering a community payback order with unpaid work but was concerned that this would bring her into contact with her former associates.
"The only other realistic option given her record is a restriction of liberty order and wearing a tag." the Sheriff said.
Mr Young consulted with his client and addressed the Sheriff again. "She feels she has the strength to cope with meeting these individuals. She has too much to lose. She keeps herself to herself and would wear a tag."
Sheriff Matheson told McKegney that the threshold for prison had been passed but added: "Having regard to the fact that these offences were four years ago and you have turned your life around, I propose you wear an electronic tag."
McKegney will have to wear the tag for four months and remain in her home between 7pm and 6am daily.