Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.4°C   NE Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Coke dealer gets three years in jail

A FORMER soldier from Merseyside who admitted dealing high quality cocaine worth more than £33,000 in Shetland has been sent to jail for over three years.

James Campbell, of 42c Seabank Road, New Brighton, Wallasey, previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of almost 100 grams of the Class A drug.

The dealing took place at an address in Hamnavoe, Burra as well as Lerwick’s Lower Blackhill industrial estate and elsewhere between 1 February and 12 June last year.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told the court previously that the 97.29g found on Campbell were “exceptionally” pure at 61.5 per cent, almost five times as unadulterated as cocaine usually bought and sold in Shetland, which measures 13 per cent.

The 30 year old also previously admitted obstructing and struggling violently with police officers when they tried to arrest him on 12 June at Lower Blackhill and committing the offence while on bail.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Mackenzie said Campbell had arranged for drug parcels to be sent to unwitting friends for them to sign on his behalf. This was corroborated by mobile phone evidence, he said.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client – who had been employed as a scaffolder at Sullom Voe Oil Terminal – admitted the dealing happened on more than one occasion, but was adamant that he was just a “courier”.

He added that Campbell had “lost his way” since serving in the army – a job in which he suffered injury and saw “comrades” die.

There was also an element of “self-medication” with alcohol, Allan said.

Sheriff Philip Mann said he wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for Campbell to label himself as “just a courier”.

“No matter how minimal your involvement, it still facilitates the supply of drugs,” he said.

Sheriff Mann added that while Campbell should be “proud” of his service to his country, it is “not an excuse to get involved in this terrible trade”.

He gave the man from Merseyside a total of three years and six months in jail.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.