A drug dealer who was snared after police noticed he took an “unusual route” round Paisley streets has narrowly avoided a jail sentence.
Thomas Barclay was caught by officers on April 29 last year as he drove through various streets which indicated he wasn’t familiar with the area.
When cops stopped the 38-year-old’s BMW for a routine check, he was extremely nervous and was “sweating profusely”.
Barclay’s mobile phone then revealed he was concerned in the supply of cocaine after they found messages stating a ‘menu’ of drugs he had and that “drivers were out all weekend”.
Prosecutor Matt Piskorz previously told Paisley Sheriff Court cops spotted Barclay sitting in a BMW which was parked outside a property in Paisley’s Orchy Crescent with the engine running just before 9pm on Saturday, April 29.
Barclay then took an “unusual route” at a slow speed round several of the nearby streets which raised officers’ suspicions.
Mr Piskorz explained: “Police activated their emergency lights and siren and brought the accused’s vehicle to a stop in Fulbar Road to conduct a routine vehicle check.
“As police officers approached the vehicle, they observed the accused and front seat passenger and that Barclay quickly leaned over the front passenger footwell and appear to place an item there.
“Officers approached the driver side and spoke with the accused and they noted him to be extremely nervous, agitated and sweating profusely.
“PC Thomson engaged with the passenger and observed a zip lock bag containing 0.8g of cocaine in the footwell. The accused was advised he was detained and he stated, ‘I just have a bit of personal on me’.
“As part of the search, a total of 66 press-seal plastic bags containing cocaine were recovered. The cocaine seized could release the potential value of £1,720. Additionally to the cocaine, a large quantity of cash totalling £580 was recovered from the centre console and two mobile phones.
“A black iPhone belonging to the accused was examined and a number of messages were recovered indicating the sale and supply of controlled drugs. A WhatsApp message was recovered showing a ‘menu’ with a list of commodities, weights and their prices.
“This also states, ‘drivers out all weekend, rapid drops with the best goodies in town’. The accused made no reply to caution and charge.”
The court heard the passenger in Barclay’s BMW was his partner at the time, Natalie Sloan. She faced a charge which alleged she was concerned in the supply of cocaine. The 37-year-old’s not guilty plea was accepted by the Crown.
Defence agent Mr Scullion said Barclay had “struggled” with the loss of family members and turned to alcohol, “drinking Buckfast every night.”
He added: “The motivation was to get out of the debt he had racked up. Excessive consumption of alcohol led him to the world of cocaine which led him to debt.
“He was offered an out, to work it off, and that’s what’s led him to being in front of the court.”
Sheriff Amel Elfallah stated: “This is an extremely serious offence. You were concerned in the supply of a Class A drug while you were on bail.
“This court takes a very dim view on this type of activity. I suggest you don’t get yourself in this type of activity again. I am prepared, only just, to take a step back from custody.”
Barclay, of Chapel Street in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, was ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work and made subject to supervision of the social work department for 12 months.
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