Man avoids jail after drugs and cash were found at flat in Bothwell

A man in Bothwell has managed to avoid jail time after a significant amount of drugs and over £13,000 in cash were discovered at his flat. At Hamilton Sheriff Court, it was revealed that the cannabis found had an estimated street value of £12,500. Darren Dundas, aged 29, pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of the drug at his residence on Green Place on November 8 the previous year. Prosecuting lawyer, Lewis Deoy, stated that when confronted by police officers with a search warrant, Dundas confessed, saying, “There’s about a kilo, mate. I won’t lie.”

During the search of the property, officers uncovered bags of green herbal material, scales, gloves, and snap bags. The total weight of the cannabis seized amounted to 1.564kg. Additionally, hidden behind a skirting board in the kitchen, the officers discovered £13,395 in mixed notes. Dundas claimed that only a portion of the cash belonged to him. The court was informed that Dundas had a prior conviction for a similar drugs offence.

Sheriff Colin Dunipace decided to refrain from a custodial sentence considering the family and work circumstances of the accused. Instead, Dundas was placed under 18 months of supervision, instructed to complete 300 hours of unpaid community work, and subjected to a one-year electronic tagging order with a curfew from 7pm to 7am. The sheriff cautioned Dundas, stating that any violation of these orders would result in a lengthy prison term.

In conclusion, despite the serious nature of the crime, the court opted for a rehabilitative approach by imposing strict supervision and community work on the defendant. Dundas now faces the challenge of abiding by the court’s orders to avoid incarceration and make amends for his involvement in drug supply activities.