MAN RAN DRUGS TO EASE WIFE'S PAIN

A HUSBAND who became a drugs courier to help his wife, a model who had been
struck down with multiple sclerosis, escaped a jail sentence yesterday.

John Copeland, 27, who wanted money to pay for cannabis that would ease his
wife's condition, was ordered to carry out 200 hours' community service as
an alternative to prison. His wife, Cheryl, 26, had struggled to pay the
suppliers of the drug after her husband lost his job as a painter, the High
Court in Edinburgh was told.

Copeland was arrested while working for a drug dealer who had agreed to
provide a small quantity of cannabis free in return for his co-operation as
a courier. Sentencing him, Lord Osborne said: "In normal circumstances I
think a court would be inclined to contemplate a custodial sentence.

"However, I have been persuaded by the exceptional circumstances of this
case not to take that course. I accept that you committed this offence out
of consideration for the position of your wife, who had developed a habit
of using cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of her multiple sclerosis."

The judge also took into account that Copeland helped his wife with tasks
that she was no longer physically capable of undertaking. Six months after
being told in 1997 that she had the disease, a modelling talent scout
spotted Mrs Copeland and she made her catwalk debut at a fashion show in
London.

Copeland, of Lochore, Fife, earlier admitted being concerned in the supply
of cannabis. When he was arrested in May last year, he was carrying
UKP3,774 worth of cannabis. Copeland was aware that his wife used cannabis
to dull the pain. But after he lost his job, he became concerned about the
couple's ability to afford to buy the drug.

After running into financial problems he made approaches to see if he could
purchase the drug at a reduced price. He was told that if he delivered a
package he could get two ounces of cannabis.

Robert Anthony, defending, said Copeland had no profit motive. Mrs
Copeland's health had apparently deteriorated since her husband's previous
court appearance last month. He said: "He is determined he will never
behave in such a manner again and he has expressed his remorse."

After the case, Mrs Copeland said she was relieved at the outcome. She
said: "I am glad he is a free man and can help look after me."