Hard-up Blair woman turned to drug dealing

Feb 18 2010 by Alison Lowson, Blairgowrie Adv

A HARD-UP Perthshire woman turned to drug dealing in a desperate bid to boost her income.

Tracey Johnstone (48), of Davie Park Place, Blairgowrie, was on dwindling benefits and had a drink problem, so she agreed to sell a consignment of drugs which had been sent to her by a family friend.

But police had received a tip-off about the trafficking operation.

Johnstone was arrested last March 7 as she left Blairgowrie sorting office with a package that was later found to contain around 62g of cannabis resin.

The 20 wraps, each weighing approximately 2.8g, had a street value of £250, Perth Sheriff Court was told this week.

Johnstone, who made only £30 from the scheme, was given the maximum 240 hours of community service.

Her co-accused Jeffrey McLaughlin (31), of Pladda Terrace, Irvine, who posted the drugs to her, was jailed for six months. He had three previous convictions for cannabis offences.

They both admitted being concerned in the supply of the Class B drug.

Solicitor Mike Tavendale, for Johnstone, said: “She is a lady who has had an alcohol problem off and on over the years.

“Certainly, following the death of her father last year, things went downhill.”

She was experiencing benefits difficulties and agreed to sell drugs at McLaughlin’s suggestion. She had cooperated fully with the police.

McLaughlin’s agent Sandy Mitchell claimed his client had loaned Johnstone £700 after her benefits had been stopped, which she denied.