Drug bust catches Airdrie addict.

Mar 31 2010 Airdrie & Coatbridge

A DRUG addict was fined at Airdrie Sheriff Court after being caught with an array of illicit substances.

Paul Harold, of Gartleahill in Airdrie, was found in possession of heroin, cannabis and valium.

The court was told how Harold, who is on a methadone programme to supposedly wean him off drugs, was nicked by cops after they searched his home address.

Depute fiscal Wendy Barr said: “The offences were discovered on obtaining a search warrant in relation to the house occupied by the accused.

“During carrying out the search 460 tablets of diazepam were discovered. The street value is about £1 a tablet.

“The cannabis resin found was a relatively small amount, valued at £10.”

Harold admitted being in possession of diazepam (valium) worth £460 and a quantity of cannabis on February 6 last year.

He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of diamorphine (heroin) and a quantity of diazepam on May 1 last year.

In addition a total of £1190 in cash was seized by cops during a raid.

The money is the subject of a confiscation hearing next month as the Crown seeks to keep it.

Lawyer Andrew Fitzpatrick said the accused had no drugs-related previous convictions. He added: “That not withstanding, he has a long-standing heroin addiction.

“He shows there has been efforts to deal with his drug problem.

“He is a man who quite clearly wishes to rid himself of his addiction.

“He quite clearly wishes to avoid prison and offending.”

Sheriff Petra Collins sentenced Harold to a period of 15 months’ probation for possession of the large stash of valium and quantity of cannabis.

For possession of heroin he was fined £200 and for possession of the small quantity of valium, he was fined £100.

Both fines were reduced from £300 and £150 respectively to reflect Harold’s early admission of guilt.

The total fine of £300 is to be paid at £10 per week.