AN ALEXANDRIA man who peddled heroin worth more than £25,000 has been told by a sheriff to expect a very lengthy jail term.

Francis Ross, 54, of Rosshead, pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court to being concerned in the supply to others of the Class “A” drug at his home on June 6, 2017.

Prosecutor Kevin Doherty told the court: “Police were acting on information that there were drugs to be found within Ross’s previous home in Main Street.

“They obtained a sheriff’s search warrant and this was executed at 12.10pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2017. They forced entry to the house and a substantial quantity of heroin was located in various parts of the house, as well as items used for drug supply, including scales, wraps and a mixing agent.

“The total street value of the drugs found came to £25,840.”

Ross gave a ‘no comment’ interview at Clydebank police office and made no reply when cautioned and charged.

Defence lawyer Scott Adair said: “He had a gambling addiction and allowed the drugs to be brought to his home for cutting and to be sold on to pay for his gambling debts.

“It happened over a period of six months. The drugs were mixed at his home and each time the people visited with the drugs he was paid £200.”

Sheriff William Gallacher told Ross: “Your offence is of the utmost gravity. Heroin is a horrific drug and for a long time has had a devastating effect on this community.

“This was a very significant amount of drugs, and you have previous convictions for similar offences.

“It is very hard to envisage anything other than a custodial sentence with a supervised release order. With some hesitation I will allow your bail to continue.”

Sentence was deferred until March 21 for the sheriff to obtain full background reports.