Court places drug addict on two-year drug treatment testing order after swallowing heroin while he was arrested by police in Inverness
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A MAN who swallowed heroin as he was arrested by police has been placed on a drug treatment testing order (DTTO) – as an alternative to prison.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson had deferred sentence on Jonathon Sinclair (34) to assess his suitability for the DTTO.
On Wednesday he returned to court for sentencing at Inverness and the sheriff heard he was a suitable candidate for the order.
Sinclair, of Baron Taylor's Street, Inverness who had 15 previous convictions, many drug-related, had admitted obstructing the police on Boxing Day last year.
The court heard police, who received reports of drug dealing on premises in Huntly Place, watched Sinclair leave the property then saw his hand move to his mouth.
When they told him to spit out what he had in his mouth he swallowed it before choking and vomiting.
He was taken to Raigmore Hospital.
Graham Mann, solicitor, said on Wednesday he seemed willing to go on the programme.
He had a drug problem which prevailed for many years.
Sheriff Neilson placed him on an order lasting two years and warned him it was an alternative to custody.
