A 76-year-old drug dealer has dodged jail despite being found guilty of selling cannabis outside a Dundee supermarket.
First time offender Denis McAinsh claimed he had been “conned” into supplying the drugs outside Tesco Riverside on August 12 2014, but was subsequently found guilty during a three-day trial at Dundee Sheriff Court.
McAinsh, of Garthland Drive, Glasgow, was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and placed under a restriction of liberty order for four months.
Before being sentenced the pensioner submitted a hand-written letter to the court expressing his regret for the crime.
In it he acknowledged he had become involved in a “hateful trade”.
Sheriff George Way said custody would not be a suitable option for McAinsh due to issues with his own health and that of his wife and daughter.
Explaining to the 76-year-old why he was sentencing him in such a way, Sheriff Way said: “I appreciate you feel you were conned into this.
“But you acknowledge yourself that this is a hateful trade.
“I cannot send out a message that says just because you are elderly and have been of good behaviour all your life that that’s something that is a get out of jail free card.
“That would just put more people like you at risk.
“They would be able to say: “if you get caught you will get away with it”.
“You are experienced enough in life to know that will put more people at risk.”
