Prisoner could face income probe

A drug dealer from Glasgow could have his finances scrutinised while serving a 10-year prison term for money laundering and fraud.

Donald Birrell, 39, faces becoming the first person in Scotland to face such a financial reporting order.

If granted he would have to vouch for income or expenditure above £200 for the next seven-and-a-half years.

Judge Lord Bracadale will decide on the request from prosecutors at the High Court in Glasgow next month.

During the hearing, the court heard that Birrell had been engaged in criminal activities while serving a six-year term for drug dealing in Noranside open prison in Angus.

Prosecutors said he hid the proceeds by buying a £48,000 Porsche car.

They argued that Birrell had more money available and a financial scrutiny order was justified by his high risk of re-offending.

Birrell's counsel challenged the need for such an order and argued that the existence of more money was entirely speculative.

Lord Bracadale said he needed time to consider the request and adjourned the hearing until next month.

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