“Set up” drug dealer jailed for 42 months
A Fife man, who believed he was “set up” by other criminals before being caught in a drugs deal, has been jailed for 42 months.
Donald Simpson was driving a car which contained amphetamine with a value of £6000.
However, the serial drugs offender should not have been behind the wheel in the first place as he was banned from driving.
Simpson (44), a prisoner at Perth, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.
He admitted that on 14th August at Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath, he drove when disqualified and without insurance.
He also admitted that in Marshall Street, Cowdenbeath, he was concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, amphetamine.
Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said police officers received confidential information that Simpson was in possession of controlled drugs.
At 3.10pm Simpson was seen driving in Arthur Street, stopped the car and walked to Marshall Street, where he crouched down next to another vehicle.
Simpson was approached by officers, detained and taken to Dunfermline police station.
The vehicle was searched and drugs with a maximum street value of £6000 were found.
Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said, “He became involved in this matter because he owed a drugs debt.
“He was told to collect a package in Kirkcaldy and deliver it to Crossgates. It appears this was a set-up to gain favour with the authorities. The gain to him was to be £500.”
The solicitor admitted his client had a “bad record for analogous matters” and had been jailed before.
Sheriff Charles MacNair told Simpson, “You were involved in the supply of a significant quantity of drugs. How the police came to find out about it is pure speculation.
“You knew perfectly well if you became involved and were caught you would face a significant sentence.
“You have five previous convictions for dealing in drugs and numerous convictions for driving while disqualified.”
He jailed Simpson for 42 months and banned him from driving for eight years.
