Teenager’s drug deal in old building

Youth given more time on course

A Perthshire teenager caught dealing drugs has been given a further spell on a rehabilitation programme despite an unfavourable progress report.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that 18-year-old Thomas Adams, of Commissioner Street, Crieff, was arrested in a derelict building in the town used as a “den” by local groups.

As police walked through the Old Bakery, in the High Street, they spotted the accused standing inside a doorway.

There was a small table in front of him - and on it were a set of scales, according to depute fiscal Carol Whyte.

He was holding a small freezer bag containing cannabis and although alerted by two girls who were present, he was apprehended.

When searched, he was found to have more than £100 in his possession, along with two mobile phones.

A further search at the police station led to officers seizing another small bag of “vegetable matter” found in his jeans pocket.

A rucksack he had with him also contained a further £500.

“In total, seven grammes of cannabis were recovered with an estimated value of £70,” added the fiscal.

The phones were examined and from text messages arranging meetings at the building, officers were of the opinion that he was concerned in the supply of the Class B drug.

Adams admitted dealing in cannabis at the Crieff location on August 6 last year.

Solicitor Linda Clark said that the charge covered just one day and it wasn’t the “most significant” amount of drugs recovered.

A defence expert had concluded that his actions were “at the extreme bottom end of the dealing network”.

Adams was previously ordered to take part in the Right Track scheme, designed to keep wayward youngsters on the straight and narrow.

Sheriff William Wood told him following his latest court appearance: “You will have read the progress report from Right Track. It doesn’t make good reading.”

Because of the accused’s age, however, the sheriff was prepared to allow him to complete the course.

Sentence was deferred until November 2, when a prosecution motion to forfeit the drugs, cash and phones will be considered.

Sheriff Wood previously warned Adams: “Clearly dealing in any sort of drug is a serious matter and can attract a custodial sentence.”