A drug courier who was so scared of his dealer that he sold everything to pay off what he owed was jailed for 18 months yesterday.
Callum Wall was so frightened of what the gang might do to him that he handed over more than he owed and took a job delivering over one kilo of cannabis for them.
The 24-year-old tree surgeon was caught with cannabis worth over £7,000 in his car after police received an anonymous tip-off that he was on a drug run.
But Perth Sheriff Court was told that Wall had sold his car, his motorbike and £5,00 worth of other belongings to hand nearly £10,000 over to the gang he was in debt to.
Wall, 24, Birkenhillock Road, Forres, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis on the A9 Perth to Inverness road on 8 April 2015.
Fiscal depute Sue Ruta told the court: “The accused’s car was seen by police on the A9 and they signaled for him to stop, which he did. He stated to the police at the outset that there were controlled drugs in the car.”
Wall’s solicitor, Mr Burgess, said: “It is fair to say he is a fairly naive character. He has more or less buried his head in the sand hoping it will go away. He wished it had never happened.
“Threats of violence were made to him. He also deeply regrets the fear that’s been caused to his family. He has sold several items to cover the value of the drugs seized by the police.
“The vehicle was sold for £1,700, his motorbike for 3,200 pounds and savings and other items raised £5,000. He has therefore repaid these people almost £10,000, which exceeds the value which might have been made.”
Sheriff Fiona Tait told Wall: “You are someone who has not previously caused the court difficulty and you had the benefit of a supportive family and stable employment.
“The difficulty for you is the nature of this charge. Given the value and the circumstances the court needs to make a clear deterrent. I’m not persuaded there’s any alternative to custody.”