John McNeil, 56, was a passenger in a Volkswagen Golf driven by Lindsey Sangster when police stopped the vehicle on the M74 near Glasgow on April 22, 2023. During the stop, officers discovered bags of heroin and cocaine concealed under the front passenger seat.
When questioned about a lamb in the back seat, McNeil reportedly told an officer that Sangster, 41, was a "trainee shepherdess." McNeil stated he had rescued the lamb, named Pablo after drug lord Pablo Escobar, from a "dangerous position" in the road. The lamb was later found to be eating chips from a bag on the back seat.
Both McNeil and Sangster were found guilty in September at Glasgow Sheriff Court of possession of heroin and diamorphine with intent to supply, though they denied knowledge of the drugs. Sangster did not appear for sentencing and a warrant has been issued for her arrest.
McNeil was sentenced on Monday to 300 hours of unpaid work and a six-month electronic tag. Sheriff Tony Kelly cited the age of the offenses in his decision to suspend a custodial sentence. The lamb, reportedly from North Lanrigg Farm, was returned to its owner, farmer Kirsty Mair, and is said to be in good health. Miss Mair confirmed she had not given permission for the lamb to be taken.