An Angus drug addict who injected a friend with a lethal dose of heroin has been jailed for eight months.
Rodger Donaldson died instantly on February 7 last year after Carrie Crookshank, 27, of Kinloch Street, Carnoustie, delivered the substance into the man’s groin at his home on Sydney Street, Arbroath.
Crookshank previously admitted supplying the class A substance to Donaldson while the subject of six bail orders, and was given the prison sentence following an appearance at Arbroath Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
Depute fiscal Chris McIntosh previously told the court that Crookshank had gone to Donaldson’s house shortly after 7am.
A third person, who was a Crown witness in the case, said Crookshank had asked Mr Donaldson if he would “manage half a gramme”.
She confirmed it with the complainer and then asked if Donaldson a known user wanted the drug in his groin and he said “yes”.
“She then injected him, he immediately slumped forward and fell off the couch,” added the fiscal.
The court yesterday heard from Crookshank’s defence agent, Billy Rennie, who said the two drug users became known to each other through the Angus drug world and eventually became close friends.
He said Donaldson instigated the meeting between the two on the fateful day after acquiring a quantity of Valium and alcohol.
He added: “She didn’t think it was unusual to see him slump over after taking it, but quickly realised that it was a significant problem that could not be recovered from after he lost all colour in his face immediately.
“She tried CPR, but realised it was too far gone and the consequences were all too evident.”
Crookshank was warned previously by Sheriff Gregor Murray that a prison sentence was “inevitable” and he stuck to his words at yesterday’s hearing.
He said: “I fully accept that this was not intended, but you have a graphic understanding of the dangers of drug abuse.
“I accept that your life is more stable now, but that is only a result of being in prison.
“I hope your future remains stable, but I cannot allow an offence of this nature to pass without giving a custodial sentence.