Cocaine dealer, 20, jailed

A 20-year-old cocaine dealer was told there was no alternative to custody when he was jailed at court on Monday.

Keiren Murray was busted on March 17 last year with almost £4000 worth of the Class A drug at his then home at Lanehead Terrace, New Cumnock.

Officers searching the home found Murray’s stash within the kitchen, with the total street value of the drugs recovered said to be worth £3980, with a minimum value of £2460. Self-sealed bags containing 25.96g of cocaine were found behind the microwave, and were said to be worth £2000 if sub-divided into smaller amounts. Knotted bags containing 41g of the drug were recovered and said to have a street value of £1000 or £1640 if sub-divided and sold on. Scales and self-sealed bags were also found within the kitchen.

Murray, of Netherthird Place in Cumnock, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing carrying a black holdall bag.

Solicitor Ms Logan told Sheriff Desmond Leslie that Murray would be prepared to undertake any community-based disposal.

She said: “He has had issues with cocaine in the past in terms of his consumption. He advises he has stopped that over the past year.

“In terms of the offence, he lost his employment and turned to drug dealing and advises this was for a short period and it was foolish. He appreciates that given his previous convictions, a custodial sentence will be in your Lordship’s mind.”

Sheriff Desmond Leslie said there was no alternative to custody and jailed Murray for 14 months.

Sheriff Leslie told Murray: “I get the impression that those who use cocaine have a complete disregard of the background which gets that cocaine to them.

“From the fields of Columbia, through the corruption and murder and killing, and ultimately through the smuggling channels to get here. That’s the reality- and you’re dealing it from your house. You of all people should have been aware of this. You’ve got previous convictions for drug dealing.”