Unpaid work for teenager in drugs trap

Holding drugs worth thousands of pounds in a Coatbridge property led to a teenager being given unpaid work at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Lewis Trower, 18, will also remain under supervision for nine months after being caught with cannabis and cocaine at his home in Lees Court.

It was revealed in court that Trower was not holding the drugs with intent to supply, but rather storing them for somebody else.

The procurator fiscal said: “At 8.55am police attended the locus with a search warrant under the misuse of drugs act.

“Police tried to gain entry by ramming the door but another person let them in the building.

“They entered the property and found the accused in the bedroom area.

“During the search numerous bags of drugs were found which, when later analysed, turned out to be cocaine and cannabis.

“A total of 66.3 grams of cocaine was recovered with a value of £2640 and 180 grams of cannabis was found with a street value of £1000.

“The accused was taken to Coatbridge police office where he provided a ‘no comment’ interview and made no reply.”

Trower pled guilty to the offence and his sentence was deferred until last week following background reports, when his defence solicitor argued: “He is an 18-year-old with no previous crimes and is in full- time employment.

“He was having a difficult time with drugs himself at the time and was in debt so was holding the drugs for another person.

“He has sobered up with the help of his father and is back in employment which has brought structure to his life.

“He reports to me he has no ongoing issues but is concerned he may fall back in with this kind of crime again.”

Sheriff Petra Collins told Trower: “You have pleaded guilty to serious offences here.

“I have decided I will not deal with this by way of custodial sentence.

“You will remain under supervision for nine months and do as your officer instructs you.

“You will also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work which you have nine months to complete due to your fulltime employment.

“This is an alternative to custody so if you breach your order you will be sent to jail.”