Sheriff shows leniency to “foolish” Wishaw man who got involved in drugs trade

Hamilton Sheriff Court recently saw the case of a Wishaw man, Garry Park, who found himself embroiled in the drug trade at the age of 60. The court heard that Park had agreed to transport cannabis due to financial difficulties in the lead-up to Christmas last year. Park, residing in Rannoch Drive, Pather, admitted his involvement in the supply of the Class B drug on December 15.

Police stopped Park’s van on Airbles Road, Motherwell, where they detected a strong smell of cannabis. Subsequently, a search led to the discovery of two vacuum bags containing cannabis worth £6,500 in the vehicle. Additionally, two mobile phones and £8,450 in cash were seized from Park. Defending Park, lawyer Harvie Diamond stated that his client, who has no prior similar convictions, suffers from various medical conditions. Diamond emphasised that Park had made a foolish decision to transport drugs and money, putting himself and his family at risk.

During sentencing, Sheriff John Hamilton considered Park’s age, health issues, and lack of previous offending behaviour. The sheriff deemed imprisonment inappropriate and opted for an eight-month electronic tagging order instead. This order restricts Park from leaving his home between 8pm and 6am daily. Sheriff Hamilton admonished Park for his ill-advised foray into drug trafficking at 60, labelling it as a “foolish decision.”

In conclusion, despite Garry Park’s involvement in the drug trade, the court showed leniency towards him, considering his circumstances. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of making impulsive choices, even in times of financial strain.

Insights:
The case of Garry Park illustrates how individuals can become involved in illegal activities out of desperation and poor judgement. It also highlights the impact of such decisions on both the individual and their family. The leniency shown by the court reflects a consideration of various factors beyond the crime itself, such as age and health conditions. Overall, the outcome of the case underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and learning from mistakes to avoid further entanglement in criminal activities.