Drug dealer avoids jail over stash

A Paisley man has avoided jail time after admitting to being a drug dealer.

Shaun Ruddy was caught with almost 800g of herbal cannabis hidden behind the kitchen skirting boards when cops searched his flat in July last year.

The 35-year-old was also caught with £1,300 in mixed notes, digital scales and a large amount of sandwich bags.

Procurator fiscal depute Dana Barclay told Paisley Sheriff Court police attended Ruddy’s Blackstoun Oval home on July 22 last year with a search warrant.

Ms Barclay explained: “A search was carried out of the property and a number of items were recovered from the kitchen.

“Hidden under the skirting boards was 767g of herbal cannabis broken down between numerous polythene bags.

“Also recovered from the kitchen was £1,300 in mixed notes, digital scales, sandwich bags and tupperware.

“During the search, Ruddy made repeated admissions that all the recovered items were his.”

Ms Barclay stated the Proceeds of Crime unit had an interest in this case and a motion was made for forfeiture of the £1,300.

Defence agent Kirsty McGeehan explained Ruddy “accepted guilt at the first opportunity”.

Ms McGeehan added: “He understands this is a very serious matter but I ask you to take into consideration his young age, that he has a young family and lives with his partner, his acceptance of guilt and that he has no previous convictions and so an alternative to custody can be imposed.”

Sheriff Lindsay Kooner said: “I am persuaded as a direct alternative to custody to impose unpaid work.

“You pled guilty to the supply of cannabis. I am of the view this does meet the custody threshold, however, I am required to consider if there’s an alternative.”

Sheriff Kooner made Ruddy subject to supervision of the social work department for 15 months and ordered he carries out 180 hours of unpaid work.

In addition, Sheriff Kooner made a confiscation order for £1,300.

A review hearing was assigned for September 1 and Ruddy was ordained to appear.

Under the skirting boards was herbal cannabis