A Fife man who sold potentially lethal drugs which were subsequently consumed by children as young as 12 has avoided jail.
Kyle Mitchell, 19, previously admitted being concerned in the supply of a compound or compounds of class A drug ecstasy at a number of locations in the town between September 15 and September 16 last year.
Mitchell, of Lennox Court, Glenrothes, sold a 14-year-old girl a green tablet – which had the Warner Brothers logo stamped on it – after being contacted by her on social media, before he later gave the same girl tablets which she shared with some of her friends, aged between 12 and 14.
The offences took place at the Glenwood Centre, Riverside Park, Alexander Road and elsewhere, all in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court previously heard how the 14-year-old girl contacted Mitchell on Facebook after receiving information he might be able to source drugs for her.
Mitchell gave her one tablet in exchange for £10. The following day, the girl and her friends pooled their money and Mitchell was again contacted online to arrange a drug deal.
Seventeen tablets – which were green and yellow in colour and some of which were emblazoned with the word ‘Gold’ – were handed over in a small bag in exchange for £120.
All of those who took the tablets felt various effects, and police were called after the mother of one of the girl’s friends became concerned about her son’s demeanour.
The boy admitted taking a pill purchased from Mitchell. It later emerged another member of the group told a guidance teacher at school she and her friends had bought the drugs and police were called.
Mitchell’s solicitor David Bell, said his client thought the 14-year-old girl was actually 16 years old based on a conversation the pair had had.
Mr Bell added Mitchell had sought help from the Drug and Alcohol Project Limited (DAPL) to tackle his underlying issues abusing cannabis and was working on an unpaid voluntary basis with a local company.
The solicitor went on to say that Mitchell was no longer using drugs, and had the full support of his family who were in court with him.
“It’s all perhaps indicative of a man who is trying to change their lifestyle,” he commented.
Sheriff McCulloch told Mitchell he had pled guilty to a “serious crime” and added: “Those who deal in drugs face the consequences, those who take drugs face other consequences – the potential to ruin their lives as well as the potential for death.
“But I think there is good in you and I think that can be helped on its way.
“You will not get the same leniency next time.”
Sheriff McCulloch sentenced Mitchell to an 18-month community payback order with supervision, and 250 hours of unpaid work to be carried out within the first 10 weeks.
