A young solicitor who supplied drugs to a friend who later died escaped court with a community service order today.

Twenty-five year old David Norris died after an evening of drinking and snorting cocaine. He had become unconcious in the Dalkieth office of legal firm, Allan MacDougall & Co, where his friend Grant O'Connor (pictured) was a partner.

Thirty-seven year old first offender O'Connor later admitted supplying Mr Norris and three other men with Cocaine in his office on January 17.

Mr Norris and three friends had spent the evening drinking in Lasswade. Norris and one of the others had also consumed some cocaine. The men then went to a pub in Dalkeith where they met O'Connor and his girlfriend. After closing time, the group then went to his office to continue drinking.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard Mr Norris produced a bag of cocaine which was snorted by the men. O'Conner then produced a further quanitity of teh drug which was again shared. A short time later Mr Norris appeared to lose consciousness and was taken back to a friend's home, where he later died.

Fiscal Depute, Jane Spark, revealed investigations into Mr Norris' death revealed a high level of alcohol, cocaine and GHB and it was this combination that had caused his death. She added: "Given that the deceased had consumed a quantity of his own cocaine, along with alcohol and GHB that evening, it is accepted by The Crown that the cocaine supplied by the accused did not cause his death".

O'Connor's lawyer said this acceptance by The Crown that his client was not responsible for the death had given him some comfort, adding that he would have to live with the guilt for years.

The court was told the consequences of the events had been devastating for O'Connor. He had worked his way up to be a partner in his law firm, but had seen the partnership terminated following Mr Norris's death and was now unsure whether he would be able to continue working as a solicitor.

O'Connor's relationship with his partner had ended, his reputation in the local area had been tarnished, he had acquired £30,000 debt, had no income and had seen his mental health deteriorate.

The judge said was taking into account that O'Connor, of Easter Road, was a first offender and that he had only supplied a small amount of the drug once.

He added: "I also take into account the catastrophic effect this had on your life and will have for a long time to come". He ordered O'Connor to perform 150 hours of Community Service.