Dealer running cannabis farm claimed he was paying off debt

ADEALER found running a cannabis farm in his flat who later claimed to be paying off a debt was jailed for 16 months.

William Shepperd, 36, was caught with £49,000 of cannabis and cocaine in Easterhouse.

Shepperd pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday to producing cannabis and supplying cocaine.

Sheriff Joan Kerr said: “You were involved in the chain of supplying class A and B drugs.

“I have been told that you think there was no direct victims of your crime and this was misguided.

“It seems to me you were thinking more about yourself and your family’s income which you put in jeopardy as a result of your actions.

“You are no stranger to the courts and have bad fines and community disposals which have done nothing to deter your offending.

“The only disposal appropriate is a custodial one.”

The court heard Shepperd was stopped by officers in a car while en route to carry out a warrant on him.

Prosecutor Lauren Staunton said the “smell of cannabis was clear” as the officers later entered the flat.

A clear box containing a white bock as well as drug paraphernalia were recovered from the kitchen.

Bedrooms were found to have a tent containing cannabis plants, cultivation equipment as well as another clear box with white blocks inside.

The drugs, including 54 plants, and £250 from Shepperd’s wallet were taken from the flat.

The delivery driver dad-of-five was arrested and confessed, when quizzed, to owning the drugs.

Miss Staunton added: “He stated the drugs were for his own personal consumption and denied being involved in the supply of drugs.”

The total value of the cannabis was £27,000 while the white powder, found to be cocaine, totalled up to £22,000.

Des Ziolo, defending, said: “He was storing the drugs to pay off the debt.”