WOMAN ACCUSED OF SUPPLYING CANNABIS SWEETS

A MULTIPLE sclerosis (MS) sufferer confined to her wheelchair went on trial
yesterday for allegedly supplying cannabis-laced confectionery to others
with the same condition.

Elizabeth Ivol, who is also known as Biz, from Orkney, denies three charges
in relation to the handling of cannabis.

On the first day of the trial, at Kirkwall Sheriff Court, John Murray, who
wanted to relieve his wife's suffering from the effects of MS, told the
court that he contacted Ivol, 55, of Herston, South Ronaldsay, to obtain
some of the cannabis chocolates.

Giving evidence, Mr Murray told the court that he had thought, about
obtaining cannabis for some time but lacked contacts.

But after reading a newspaper article featuring Ivol, he contacted her and
he was sent several cannabis chocolates in the post.

Speaking of his wife Eileen's condition, he told the court that she had
been losing the use of her legs and was only able to walk, on a good day,
a couple of hundred yards.

Mr Murray's home in Dalgety Bay, Fife, was later visited by police, who
removed all the cannabis chocolate before he had a chance to give any to
his wife.

Giving evidence. Police Constable Michael Don, of Northern Constabulary,
told the court that he obtained a search warrant to go to Ivol's home on
August 6, 2001, following a certain amount of media attention.

When her home was searched, tobacco, a quantity of rolled cigarettes and
several recorded-delivery slips were found. Also found at her home was a
letter written by someone who had requested a supply of her "special
Belgian chocolates".

Ivol denies one charge of possession of cannabis, one of supplying cannabis
and one of the cultivation of cannabis.

The trial, which is being held at Kirkwall's leisure complex, Pickaquoy
Centre, to allow better disabled access for Ivol's wheelchair, continues today.