A WEE COUNTY man who became involved in drug dealing has avoided a jail term.

James Taylor claimed he was simply doing work as a courier for his late father, Alloa Sheriff Court heard.

Taylor, of Hallpark, Alloa, appeared for sentencing on Thursday, April 22.

He previously admitted that on September 27, 2019, at Newmills, Tullibody, he was concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, diamorphine.

The 26-year-old also admitted that on June 3 last year at Tullibody Road, Alloa, he was in possession of diamorphine.

Taylor's explanation was that he simply acting as a courier for his dad, who was involved in drugs dealing and has since died.

At a previous hearing Sheriff Craig Harris said: "He says his father had given him money to get it and was bringing it back to him.

"His father had also asked him to send drugs messages on his phone because he was dyslexic."

At sentencing, depute fiscal Ann Orr said police executed a search warrant at the property where Taylor and his father were living at the time.

There was initially no-one at the property and entry was forced.

Later, Taylor returned home and admitted to officers that he had drugs on him.

He said: "I was being kind to my dad. He gave me £500 half an hour ago. I didn't know I was getting kit, just vallies."

He said he had collected the drugs from a woman he met at Morrisons.

He added: "My dad better tell the truth."

Taylor was found to be in possession of 13.2 grams of heroin with a potential value of £940, added the depute.

When arrested, Taylor said: "I've just been caught up in something."

Defence solicitor Grazia Robertson said her client has had a long-standing history of drugs misuse.

"There has been a very sad family dynamic going back many years," she added.

Sheriff Simon Collins imposed a six-month restriction of liberty order and a community payback order with 12 months of supervision.