An Angus woman has admitted injecting heroin into the groin of a man who then collapsed within seconds from a fatal drugs overdose.
The tragic circumstances emerged at Arbroath Sheriff Court on Wednesday as Carrie Crookshank was warned by a sheriff of the “inevitability” of prison just days after she was released from a 16-month jail sentence.
Crookshank, 27, of Newton Avenue, Arbroath, admitted supplying the substance to Roger Donaldson at his home in the town’s Sidney Street last February, while the subject of six bail orders.
She later told police she had been “shocked” by how rapidly her friend had succumbed to the drug.
Depute fiscal Chris McIntosh gave the court an account of events that morning, when 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 reminded him that he had not taken heroin for a while,” added Mr McIntosh.
Crookshank 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 accused told the other person that she though Mr Donaldson would be okay, but the witness became worried and dialled 999 for an ambulance, the court heard.
It arrived shortly after 8am but Mr Donaldson could not be saved.
“Suspicion fell on the accused, who attended the locus around 11am when police inquiries were still ongoing, but made no reference to the complainer having been given heroin,” continued Mr McIntosh.
Crookshank made no comment in a formal police interview, but then told officers the complainer had asked for heroin to be injected into him.
“She said she was shocked by what had happened and had never seen anyone collapse so quickly from a heroin overdose,” added the fiscal.
Defence agent Billy Rennie said his client had been released only last Friday from her lengthy jail term. Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence until May 13 for reports and released the accused on bail.
“As Mr Rennie says, there may be an inevitability, but don’t do anything silly in the meantime,” he warned Crookshank.