A Barlinnie prisoner was caught with blue tablets.

The drugs were found in Neil McInally's cell after a search on September 1, 2023, at the East End jail.

One pill was in his possession while several others were spotted on his shaving unit.

All of the tablets were handed over to prison authorities.

Officials also noted that the 39-year-old was under the influence, so a welfare check was conducted by medical staff.

The pills were revealed to be Bromazolam, a class-C drug. Together, they were valued at £100.

However, at McInally's hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court this week, the procurator fiscal explained that in prison, the value could be five times as high.

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The East End man's lawyer said: "They were given to him by somebody leaving the jail. They were for his own consumption.

"He was struggling with his mental health due to a family emergency. This was known to the prisoner who gave him the pills.

"There was punishment by prison authorities.

"He recently gained employment. He is fit to do unpaid work or can pay a financial penalty. He is trying to get his life back on track."

The solicitor also argued that the value of the drugs does not increase five-fold in jail because of how common they are.

Sheriff Collette Gallagher said: "Having drugs in a prison is a serious matter. But there are mitigating circumstances."

He was sentenced to 40 hours of unpaid work to be completed in six months.