Xmas cash fear led to drug sale
Police raided the home of a Craigneuk drugs suspect – and ended up charging his mum.
Catherine Patterson admitted to officers she had been selling amphetamine as she needed cash in the run up to Christmas.
Patterson, of Laurel Drive, narrowly avoided a prison sentence at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
The 41- year- old admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine between November 22 and December 22 last year.
She also admitted possession of cocaine. No one else was named on the charge sheet.
Wendy McAdam, prosecuting, said a search warrant had been granted in relation to Patterson’s son who lived with her.
A search of the house took place at 9am three days before Christmas.
Officers found three wraps of amphetamine, worth a total of £60, and eight small bags of cocaine, worth £320.
Ms McAdam told the court : “Although specialist drugs officers said there wasn’t enough amphetamine found to indicate she was a supplier, Patterson admitted to police that she had been selling the drug because of the time of year – she needed money. “She also had a drug habit herself.” Defence agent Vincent McGovern admitted his client was in a serious position but suggested that unpaid community work would be “appropriate punishment and a deterrent to others”. She had no previous convictions. Sheriff Allan MacKay noted background reports suggested Patterson’s behaviour was not typical of her.
He told her: “I’m not sure who these bad influences are that are mentioned, but it’s clear they have led you to make bad decisions which, in turn, have led you to court today.
“I’m willing to offer you a community-based sentence as an alternative to custody, but only if you comply with the arrangements.”
Patterson was put under supervision for two years and must complete 180 hours of unpaid work within six months.