A COUNTY drug dealer has been jailed after being caught with a large quantity of heroin.

William Carmichael, 41, was collared by police officers while in possession of £15,000 of the Class A drug on a Musselburgh street two years ago.

Carmichael denied the offence and stood trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this year.

But he was later found guilty of the crime by a majority jury decision in front of Sheriff Thomas Welsh QC.

Last Thursday, Sheriff Welsh was told that Carmichael continued to deny any “responsibility for the offence”, despite the jury’s findings.

The father-of-three, of Glenburn Road, North Berwick, appeared in the dock from custody and was jailed for three years.

The dealer will also have to adhere to a 12-month supervision order following his eventual release from custody.

In sentencing, Sheriff Welsh said: “This was a very serious offence involving a significant quantity of a dangerous and destructive Class A drug.

“In the circumstances, I am satisfied custody is inevitable.

“Given your record and the nature of the offence, I will impose a sentence of three years.”

Carmichael was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of heroin at Old Course Gate, Musselburgh, on June 30, 2017.