Police recovered over £4,500 worth of cocaine from a man who had turned to dealing the drug to fund his own spiralling addiction.
But Sean Meldrum avoided a prison sentence after a sheriff heard that the 31-year-old has got himself clean and his life back on track.
At Forfar Sheriff Court, Meldrum pleaded guilty to a charge of being involved in the supply of the class A substance on February 26 last year on the A92 between Arbroath and Dundee.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said Meldrum’s car was stopped by officers after they received intelligence in relation to a drugs operation.
After the 4pm stop, Meldrum, of Ballindean Terrace, Dundee, was taken to Arbroath police office where a bag of white powder and a quantity of cash was found on him.
They then searched his home where three further bags of cocaine and digital scales were recovered.
“The total weight of the drugs recovered was 92.6 grammes, with a potential illicit value of £4,600,” said Ms Drummond.
Meldrum’s lawyer said the accused was under no illusion that he could be facing a prison sentence.
“It’s the first time he has got himself involved in anything like this,” the agent said.
“He was out of work at the time and the combination of being down about life and boredom got him involved in this business.
“It wasn’t to make any financial gain, the arrangement was that he would be paid in cocaine he had developed an addiction and was in a desperate situation at the time.”
The court heard Meldrum is now working full-time as an electrician and was no longer abusing drugs.
“He has learned a lesson from this and appears to have turned a corner.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio said Meldrum was fortunate not to be facing prosecution at sheriff and jury level for the offence.
“It is significant you have turned things around and have no previous record for misuse of drugs offences. For that reason I am prepared to deal with this matter without imprisoning you.”
He was ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.