A cannabis dealer from Buckie who led police to his stash when they called at his address on a separate matter was sentenced yesterday.
Gary Welford, 20, was found to have more than £700 worth of the class B drug in his possession when officers called on June 20 last year.
The court heard that when police arrived at Welford’s address at 26A East Church Street at 6.30pm they noticed a strong smell of cannabis.
Fiscal Ruairidh McAlister said: “Police officers attended the locus on a separate matter, and were invited in.
“After noticing the strong smell, they came across several items of drug paraphernalia and a quantity of cannabis with a street value of £700.”
Welford admitted selling cannabis from his home and from other addresses between March 20 and June 21 last year.
Solicitor Matthew O’Neill said: “My client has been quite frank with the social work department regarding his use of cannabis.
“He has used the drug since he was 14, and that led to him purchasing it in large amounts which he would pass on to his friends in the local area.
“Right from the outset my client has never hid his drug use, and indeed he led officers to the scene of the crime.
“But he is someone who has found gainful employment throughout his life, and who has recently secured a job as a roofer.
“This has been a strong lesson for him.”
Sheriff Peter Grant-Hutchison ordered Welford to perform 150 hours of unpaid work over the next six months as an alternative to jail.
