Heroin supplier told he could be facing jail term

A man has been warned to expect a prison sentence after he admitted supplying heroin at Islesburgh House in Lerwick.

Ian Lloyd Smith, 43, from Higher Polshan Road in Paington, Devon, committed the offence between 8th November and 18th November last year.

He appeared via video link at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Defence agent Liam McAllister said Smith was “almost inevitably” facing a custodial sentence, and had been more than aware of that since being remanded in custody in August.

“I have clear instructions from Mr Smith that he’s under no illusions that there is no alternative here,” the agent said.

He added that the court could move straight to sentencing without the need for a social work report.

However, Sheriff Philip Mann said the fact Smith had never been sentenced to custody before meant reports would be mandatory – “even if it is inevitable”.

Ordering the reports, the sheriff deferred sentence until 9th November, which will allow Smith to make a personal appearance in the dock.