Heroin addict spared jail after being caught with drugs at work

A heroin addict who left drugs in a work bathroom has been spared prison.

Anna Shimmin admitted two charges of possessing Class A drugs - two counts of possession with intent to supply heroin were dismissed by the prosecution.

At the Court of General Gaol Delivery yesterday the court was told the 29-year-old was working at a business in Athol Street in Douglas last year when a colleague found two packages in a toilet cubicle.

Shimmin was later seen "frantically" searching for something and interrupted a meeting saying she needed to find her mobile phone.

The company called police who confirmed the packages contained heroin - a later search of Shimmin's home uncovered more of the drug.
 
In total officers found more than 18 grams which Shimmin said she'd bought in bulk for her personal use after seven years of addiction.

Deemster Montgomerie heard she had no previous convictions and had a young son who would suffer greatly if she was jailed.

He noted since her arrest last September she'd also worked with the Island's Drug and Alcohol Team to beat her drug problem.

Passing sentence he told her "anyone who descends into heroin addiction descends into a very dark place indeed".

Shimmin was given a nine-month prison term for each charge, suspended for 12 months, and was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £500.