A DRUG addict has been given a community payback order after pleading guilty to two counts of possession at Alloa Sheriff Court last week.

John McGrath, of Harris Court, Alloa, was found with 2.6g of diamorphine, also known as heroin, with a street value of £260, when police searched him on November 18, 2016.

He was also found to be in possession of 17 diazepam tablets.

The depute fiscal told the court that police had simply received intelligence that McGrath would have these drugs on his person.

McGrath's defence agent, Claire McCarron, told the court that the 44-year-old has a long history of convictions.

She said: "He has a lengthy record of drug misuse convictions, most of which are for crimes of dishonesty."

Ms McCarron went on to tell of her client's troubled and tragic past which has led to the latest relapse.

She said: "His young nephew took his own life early last year and then his own mother died. This has led to heavy drug use."

He was ordered to 12 months' supervision and told to attend drug treatment counselling.