An Inverurie man caught by police in London when he was high on speed has been spared jail at a London court.
Instead, jobless Iain Liddle Hay, 51, of 12 Nether Davah Court, Inverurie was given a conditional discharge after pleading guilty to possessing three small bags of amphetamine on July 30.
As well as being conditionally discharged for 18 months he was also ordered to pay a £180 court charge and £15 victim surcharge.
Wimbledon Magistrates Court was told that because of his arrest Hay missed the funeral of his mother in his native Aberdeenshire.
Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told the court: “He was seen rolling a bag and walking out of a wooded area and it was clear he was under the influence of drugs.
“Officers found four plastic snap bags containing white crystals and three of them were confirmed to be amphetamine at a quantity consistent with personal use.”
She said that because of his condition Hay could not be interviewed immediately after his arrest.
The court was told that he has received three police cautions for drug offences and one previous fine for possessing amphetamine.
Hay told the court: “My mother died last week and her funeral was today. Unfortunately I could not go because of this court case.
“I’ve pleaded guilty, I had the drugs on me. I am not an addict although I do use drugs recreationally.
“I have not taken any illegal substances since. I’ve given them up completely.
“I am in a trough in my personal life, I’m looking for work and have no income and I have had some mental health issues.”
Hay has been out of work for two years. “I’ve been living on savings, on my redundancy and a friend has been putting me up.
“I have not signed-on and I am relying on the charity of friends.”
Bench Chairwoman Mrs Catherine Gibson told a tearful Hay: “We have heard your remorse and that you are taking steps to redress your problems.”