A repeat drugs offender has been jailed despite what a sheriff accepted were “extremely difficult” health problems.
Brian McShane, 51, was sentenced at Airdrie Sheriff Court after he was caught with cocaine worth more than £5000.
He admitted being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug at a house in the town's Wester Mavisbank Avenue, on January 25 last year.
Police search and discovery
Annette Ward, prosecuting, said police had received intelligence that drugs were being stored there.
She told the court: "They were granted a search warrant and officers found the property insecure. There was no one present.
"During a search the officers found bags of white powder in a hallway cupboard. They also recovered scales with a white residue and empty snap bags."
A letter addressed to Brian McShane was also found.
"The powder seized tested positive for cocaine. It weighed 172.98 grammes and had a street value of £5260.
"During a police interview the accused said another person was responsible for storing drugs at the property."
Health issues and sentencing
Defence lawyer Nicky Matteo said McShane has a respiratory condition and appeared in court with a breathing aid.
The solicitor stressed: "He is clearly a very unwell individual."
McShane, of Moss Side Avenue, Airdrie, has a previous conviction for being concerned in the supply of drugs.
His lawyer said he committed the latest offence when he was “at a very low ebb” due to his health problems. He accepted responsibility but it appeared he had been “used by others”.
Sheriff Tony McGlennan acknowledged McShane’s issues but jailed him for 10 months, saying: “The onward supply of Class A drugs causes untold harm, rips families apart and ruins lives.
“It’s the responsibility of the court to act in a way that deters it.”
The sheriff said even if McShane’s role was restricted to storing drugs he had played “an important part without which the enterprise could not function”.
