A WOMAN was caught with £3650 worth of speed, in separate packages, at her home in Bellsbank.

Lorna Baird of Ness Glen Road, owned up to being concerned in supplying the controlled, class B, drug in February this year.

The 45-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. The court heard how a search warrant had been obtained to allow police to search the property.

Depute fiscal Lorri Pidgeon, explained: “A search was carried out and officers found £80 of cash. There were bags of white powder in the kitchen cupboards.

“Further bags were found inside food and police found powder in the scales. 365g of white powder was recovered. They did not test positive for cocaine and were sent away for testing.

“Baird was taken to the police station. She admitted that she had bought the powder from men and the substance tested positive for [speed]. The value was £3650.”

Speaking on her behalf defence solicitor Glenn Davis , said: “My client has had financial problems since her husband’s death in August last year. It wasa desperate decision as she was at the end of her tether.

“She was approached by a third party, who is now deceased, to get her through her troubles. She sincerely regrets this and is disgusted by her actions.”

Sheriff Mactaggart, said: “I have been reminded by your agent that you did not carry out the act and I am prepared to step back from custody.”

Baird has been put on a community payback order for two years.