An Angus MDMA dealer who thought his drugs had killed a teenager has been spared imprisonment.
Aeden Gillespie was placed on a restriction of liberty order and told to complete unpaid work as a direct alternative to prison time.
Gillespie had admitted to being concerned in the supply of methylenedioxymethamphetamine – better known as MDMA – in February 2020.
A court heard the 20-year-old, who was just 17 at the time, had gone to Carnoustie police station, concerned drugs he had sold may have contributed to the death of a 17-year-old boy from the town.
It was later confirmed there was no evidence this was the case.
Officers conducted searches at Kinloch Street and in the Angus town’s High Street and recovered MDMA valued at £1,000.
Gillespie also admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis between August and December in 2019 but this was deemed to draw in “no illicit value”.
Turned life around
Now of Station Road in Barry, Gillespie was sentenced by Sheriff Alastair Carmichael at Dundee Sheriff Court.
The sheriff said: “This is a serious matter, as I’m sure you’re aware.
“You’ve got no previous convictions.
“You were 17 at the time of this matter.
“You’ve expressed genuine remorse.
“It seems to me it’s pretty obvious you’ve taken steps to turn your life around.
“This offence is nearly three years old.
“You’ve not offended since.”
As a direct alternative to custody, Gillespie was placed on a community payback order requiring him to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
He will also be subject to a curfew from 10.30pm to 6am every day for four months.
