Heroin dealer warned he faces lengthy prison sentence

A heroin user was warned he could face a long spell in prison when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

David Inkster, 35, of Nederdale, Lerwick, had previously admitted that on or between 1st July and 24th September last year at Nordvatn, Lerwick, he had been concerned in the supply of heroin, a class A drug. He is now on bail.

The court heard on Wednesday that in an intelligence-led operation police recovered quantities of the drug when they searched Inkster’s house. The haul had a total weight of 25.5 grammes with a potential value of £3,570, and comprised 32 individual wraps or “score bags” worth £20 each, with the rest of the heroin undivided.

Among other items found at the house and which were consistent with trafficking were eight mobile phones, electronic scales, small plastic bags and £595 in cash. When interviewed by police Inkster confirmed his dependence on the drug and confirmed his dealing, which was to finance his dependence.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said Inkster was aware he faced custody and had “suffered all his adult life” through his “class A habit”, which he had acquired in custody in the 1990s, although he had used drugs before then. Inkster’s problems had been so bad that “it’s a wonder he’s still with us”.

Mr Allan said that funding had been secured for Inkster to go to rehab and asked Sheriff Graeme Napier for background reports to get an idea of how long the custodial sentence might be.

The sheriff deferred sentence for four weeks for reports and a drugs testing and treatment order. Inkster’s bail would be continued and he would have his liberty until 10th March, he was told, but after that he could expect a “lengthy” custodial sentence.