Lerwick heroin addict jailed for four years

A heroin addict was jailed for four years today at Lerwick Sheriff Court after admitting playing his part in Shetland’s burgeoning drug supply.

Jason Pottinger, 23, of Hoofields, Lerwick, acted as a go-between for dealers in Aberdeen, supplying the Class A drug for others to sell around the isles. Sheriff Graeme Napier imposed the lengthy jail term as a deterrent for those in the drugs trade.

Police carried out a “systematic search” on Pottinger’s home.  They recovered £1,200 in cash, scales and a “tick-list”, along with a foiled wrap containing a small personal quantity of diamorphine.

At the time Pottinger denied any knowledge, and incriminated others as being responsible. However, he was later questioned after being seen hiding the metal flask which contained heroin with a street value of £4,720, along with over £400 in £20 notes and a plastic scoop.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said Pottinger was asked if he knew the area where the flask was found. “He started crying and said, ‘I know what you’re talking about’.

“He made a full admission to his involvement in the distribution of diamorphine in Shetland, explaining it was sourced form Aberdeen, delivered to him by individuals who were not known to him.

“He would divide and prepare the diamorphine for others to sell around Lerwick, with those sub-dealers handing the cash proceeds of their sales to the accused which he was meant to put into a bank account.”

Defence agent Keith Bovey said Pottinger had been attending lessons in Craiginches in a bid to improve himself. He was on a methadone programme and was determined to eradicate his dependence on drugs.

Sheriff Napier reduced the jail term for six years to reflect Pottinger’s earliest possible plea.