A GIRVAN drug dealer has been ordered to remain in his home daily from 7pm and 7am after he was found with heroin.

Steven Gray, of Glendoune Street, pleaded guilty to having the controlled class A drug in his possession with the intent to supply it to others on February 18 this year.

The 43-year-old appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week before Sheriff Desmond Leslie.

Depute Fiscal Scott Toal said: "Police were investigating the locus with a drug search warrant. The accused was not present at that time but police found a bag of brown powder.

"The powder was made up of 50-60 deals worth £500 to £600."

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Jennifer Reid, said: "I have spoken to him and he says he is very nervous. He completely accepts the terms he has pleaded guilty to.

"He was in debt. This was an act of desperation. He is genuinely concerned about the impact this will have. He has continued to misuse heroin on a daily basis but says this has been a wake up call.

"He wants to stick to medical help to address this problem and is keen to comply and engage with a community payback order."

Sheriff Leslie responded: "Dealing in heroin ruins lives and communities. There is no excuse for supplying other people in the community. You must know what the outcome is for dealing in heroin.

"You have been standing in this court long enough to see this. I am prepared to accept on this occasion that this is a very low level of activity. You are fortunate in that.

Gray has been put on an 18 months community payback order under supervision and has been ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work within three months.