A fraudster is facing prison after attempting to smuggle 47,200 cigarettes through duty free.
James Thomson, 68, avoided paying over £15,000 in tax on the duty-free fags when passing through Prestwick Airport.
Thomson, of Kingsley Court, Uddingston, admitted being concerned in carrying the smokes in April 2018.
The tax payable on the cigarettes was £15,426.93.
Thomson’s wife Maureen, 64, and son Andrew, 42, also originally appeared on the charge but their not guilty pleas were accepted by the Crown.
Depute fiscal Andrew Lazzarin said: “Once it was decided that Mr Thomson was maintaining his guilty plea, a plea from him would be an acceptable solution.”
Defence solicitor Steven Maxwell told Sheriff Ross McFarlane that his client did not have any previous convictions.
The sheriff said that, given the amount concerned, he would seek advice from the High Court.
Sheriff McFarlane said: “This falls within the category of prison.
“A report will be essential in my opinion.”
The case was adjourned for social work reports and Thomson will reappear at a later date.
