Dealer turned to drugs after family death and loss of job

A MAN turned to dealing drugs after the death of a relative and losing his job, a court has heard.

Martin Smith, 31, was described as "a responsible member of society" and "a man of good character".

But all that ended following the death of a relative and losing a job he had held for a number of years, according to defence solicitor Leanne McQuillan.

Smith, of Camps Rigg, Livingston, had pleaded guilty previously at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to four charges of being involved in the supply of cocaine, Ecstasy and ketamine.

The charges covered a period from 2 February to 2 May last year. Sentence was deferred on Smith, a first offender, until yesterday for background reports. He was jailed for 40 months.

Police received information that Smith was dealing in drugs from a car in the city centre's Blair Street.

A later search of his home uncovered cocaine worth between 10,800 and 21,600; 4,000 Ecstasy tablets worth 2,633-4,050 and ketamine valued at 1,500.

Sentencing Smith, Sheriff James Scott said: "The court has to take a firm line with people involved in the trafficking of drugs."