A MAN was caught with £1210 worth of heroin stashed in his exercise bike in Tarbolton.

James Dunbar of Mansfield Road, admitted being concerned in the supply of the controlled class A drug, at his home in November 2016.

The 51-year-old appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. The court heard how police attended the property with a search warrant.

Depute fiscal Andrew Lazzarin said: “Police arrived at 10am and Dunbar let them in. His partner was present as the house was searched. A quantity of cash, £180, was fund in the accused’s wallet and more than 20g of heroin. Dunbar shouted ‘they’ve found the kit hen’.

“It was in an exercise machine in one of the bedrooms. They found scales in the bedroom, clear plastic bags and three mobile phones. While the police were there a message came through on one of the iPhones which read ‘hi mate, Rob is looking for a teenth’. The value of the heroin was £1210. The cash was forfeited.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, John Gallagher, said: “In relation to the offence, it is accepted by Mr Dunbar that he has a long standing difficulty with this drug.

“He did have a methadone prescription. He had been buying bulk but he sold some of it on. In June last year he increased his methadone prescription, which he has benefited from and he is now stable. There has been no further offending since November 2016.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Leslie, said: “Well Mr Dunbar, if you are involved in the supply of heroin, you can expect to go to jail.

“You have already served a custodial sentence for supplying heroin. Given my limits on a custodial sentence it seems to me it would be appropriate to put you on a community payback order. I am going to keep an eye on you.”

 Dunbar has been placed on a community payback order and will remain under supervision for 18 months. He will also complete 150 hours unpaid work within six months and £180 will be forfeited. Dunbar has been tagged for six months and will remain in his home address from 8pm to 7am daily.