A pair of budding drug dealers who were said to be “playing the big man” when they were caught red-handed with drugs and guns have been spared jail.
A police raid in Peterhead uncovered large quantities of cannabis and cocaine at a flat where Kyle Rossiter, 22, and Gordon Watson, 20, were discovered.
Officers also found what appeared to be a silver handgun and a rifle at the property.
An estimated £35,000 worth of drugs were recovered from the scene, Aberdeen Sheriff Court was told.
But upon hearing that he would serve no prison time for his offences, Rossiter raised his arms in celebration as he left the court building.
Watson’s solicitor had described his client’s actions as trying to “play the big man”.
Drugs, guns and cash seized
Fiscal depute Lynne MacVicar told the court that on December 5 2019 police observed the pair acting strangely near undergrowth close to the A90 Peterhead bypass road.
They found a tub containing packages had been disturbed before the pair cycled away on their bikes.
Later that day officers forced entry to Watson’s Mary Street home and found the two men within and packages of drugs all over the flat.
Police found drugs in the kitchen, the living room, in a car, as well as drug paraphernalia and a tick list in the bedroom.
Around 2,000 grams of cannabis were found, which had a maximum estimated value of £30,435.
The officers also discovered 48.5 grams of cocaine worth up to £4,630 on the street.
Two guns were also found, however, these turned out to be a 9mm CS Gun and an air rifle.
Rossiter pleaded guilty to two charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.
Watson admitted the same two drug possession charges, while also pleading guilty to one charge of possessing a CS Gun and a further charge of possession of an air rifle.
‘Financial gain’
Defence agent Shane Campbell told the court that Rossiter had lost his job, which had a knock-on effect on his financial situation.
“He has admitted that he did it purely for financial reasons,” Mr Campbell said.
“He’s not trying to suggest that he was pressured into this or that he had to pay off a drug debt. He admits it was for financial gain.”
Watson’s solicitor Iain Jane admitted that his client had become a “troublemaker” during this period.
“He came onto the police’s radar because of an operation that was in relation to others.
“He was playing the big man and was naïve but has done some growing up over the past two years.”
Sheriff Ian Wallace told the two men that, despite a custodial sentence being at the “forefront” of his mind, he had come to the conclusion that he could impose an alternative to jail time.
“I have taken account of your age and the influence of others,” he added.
“You say you have matured and it’s now up to you to prove that.”
As an alternative to a prison sentence, Sheriff Wallace sentenced Rossiter, of Longate, Peterhead, and Watson, of Hatton Farm Gardens, Hatton, to a community payback order.
They’ll also be under supervision for 18 months with a restriction of liberty order for 10 months.
Watson was also given 300 hours of unpaid work, while Rossiter must carry out 158 hours.
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