A PRESTONPANS drug user caught with a criminalised designer drug bought it by mistake, thinking it was a different drug.

Chelsea McKillop was found with quantities of the banned ‘legal high’ chloromethcathinone at her home during a police search.

McKillop had a long-term addiction to the drug mephedrone – also known as ‘meow meow’ – and had bought £370 of chlorometh in error from an unknown source.

The 27-year-old admitted possession of 25.24 grammes of the banned Class B substance on September 4 last year when she appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last Monday.

A plea of not guilty to supplying the drug to others was accepted by the Crown.

The court was told the third-year sociology student developed “a substantial [mephedrone] habit” two years ago but had now quit the drug.

Solicitor Robert More said his client, of New Street, had bought the drug thinking it was mephedrone.

She was hoping to go on to a career in social work.

Mr More told the court: “At the time, the accused had a substantial habit but she tells me she no longer is abusing any illicit substance.

“This is due to her arrest and conviction in this case, which has had a significant deterrent impact.

“She developed the habit about two years ago due to a quite bad relationship, which is now over.

“The value of the drug found is based on the value of mephedrone [and not chloromeph]. She thought it was mephedrone and it was taken by her in error.”

Sheriff Gail Patrick said: “I will impose a fine today but I must warn you if you come back to court on another offence of this sort the court will have to consider custody.”

Sheriff Patrick fined McKillop £225.