A DRUG dealer from Alloa has been spared jail after claiming he only advertised the drugs for the man he bought from.

John Quinn, whose address was given as Primrose Street, appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court last Thursday and made the claim after pleading guilty to three charges involving drugs.

It was alleged that between December 30, 2015, and August 26, 2016, Quinn was concerned in the supply of amphetamine, a class B drug.

On August 26, when a search warrant was executed by police at a property on Sprotwell Terrace, Sauchie, he was found in possession of amphetamine. He was also found in possession of cannabis.

Depute fiscal, Ruaraidh Ferguson, told the court that when the property was searched, police found multiple mobile phones and £2,680 cash in a bedroom cabinet.

They also found electronic scales and other drug selling equipment.

He continued: "They were also amphetamine found, with the weight being 7.5g which had a value of £75. The mobile phones had text messages which were indicative of drug selling."

His solicitor, Claire McCarron, told the court that the 56-year-old had a drug habit of his own which was being supplied free of charge as long as Quinn advertised his drugs to others.

She added that he had the full support of his family.

Sheriff David Mackie sentenced Quinn to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work while being supervised for 18 months.