A drug dealer has been jailed after being caught with thousands of pounds worth of cannabis – which he argued he needed to sell to provide for his small children.
Anthony Newman, 27, admitted being concerned in the supply of the Class B substance between July 27 and August 6 when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
The court heard that when police raided his base of operations, on the city’s Constitution Street, they found the accused and his accomplice Arron Stewart “sitting in the living room with two young children”.
Police discovered £2,335 worth of cannabis, £4,275 in cash and various receipts showing that Newman had carried out £975 worth of cash transactions across Aberdeen in the days prior.
Representing Newman, defence agent Peter Shepherd said his client had recently “been punished” by being moved from HMP Grampian to Kilmarnock – where his three children can no longer visit him as freely.
Mr Shepherd added: “His motivation was owing debt to various people, and to provide appropriate support to his children aged five, four and three.
“He became involved because he was financially struggling but police caught on to him very quickly.”
Stewart, of Tedder Road, Aberdeen, was described as playing a far less significant role in the enterprise.
The 20-year-old’s solicitor, Gregor Kelly, said he received no money and merely wanted to “perhaps partake in some of the cannabis” in exchange for helping his friend.
Sheriff Graham Buchanan ordered Stewart to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the next eight months.
Referencing a recent similar conviction, Sheriff Buchanan jailed Newman for 33 months.
