A drugs offender has avoided jail after claiming he was forced to look after cannabis worth nearly £30,000 for some “unsavoury” characters.
Jason Connor, 30, admitted being concerned in the supply of the Class B substance at a house in Burnhead Street, Viewpark, in October 2022.
Defence lawyer Scott Jones told Hamilton Sheriff Court his client had made “a terrible error of judgment” by becoming involved in the enterprise.
Mr Jones stated: “He was persuaded to store this for some fairly unsavoury characters. Quite serious pressure was put on him to do so.
“In some ways having this come to court is a relief as it takes him away from what was a difficult situation for him and his family.”
The solicitor added that his client has had substance abuse and mental health issues.
Sheriff Linda Nicolson told Connor, of Acer Gardens, Viewpark, that a prison sentence had been “at the forefront of my mind” given the high value of the cannabis.
She added: “I think I can step back from that, but it you fail to comply with the orders I am about to impose it’s likely custody will be the only option.”
Connor was placed under supervision for a year and must carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work.
He will be confined to his home between 7pm and 7am each day under a four-month electronic tagging order.
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