Community service for doctor who injected wife with heroin

An Edinburgh doctor who injected his wife with heroin so she could “see how it felt” has been given 300 hours community service. Ashley Sibery, 39, pleaded guilty to giving his partner Sital the class A drug at their home in Edinburgh on April 2.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court today the GP was also placed placed on supervision for two years.

Sheriff Elizabeth Jarvie QC heard how Sibery had successfully completed treatment for his addiction and his wife and colleagues were standing by him.The sheriff said: “I am persuaded that in these particular circumstances, the imposition of a non custodial sentence is correct and in the public interest.

”I hope that this sentence will allow you to utilise your talents within the community.

”At a previous hearing, Sibery had pleaded guilty to a charge of culpable and reckless conduct.The couple had argued about Sibery’s unusual behaviour and he admitted he had been spending £55 a day on heroin. The doctor asked his wife to try some of the drug so she could understand how it made him feel.

Mrs Sibery collapsed and had to be taken to hospital to be treated. Today, defence solicitor Duncan Batchelor told the court his client had recently completed a drug treatment programme.

He had recently been tested for drugs and had not taken any.Mr Batchelor added: “He has successfully completed the treatment. He has fully engaged with the treatment. He will continue to take steps to avoid returning to his former habit. He remains under the care of a consultant psychiatrist.

”He continues to receive the support of his colleagues and his family. The overall picture is a bright and assuring one.”