A dealer caught with drugs worth thousands of pounds has avoided prison - because he's a first offender.
Police seized cocaine and cannabis from John Nolan's home in Dunlop Street, Strathaven, after a tip-off.
Nolan, 24, now of Craigbank Street, Larkhall, was handed a 12-month supervision order at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted being concerned in the supply of drugs on April 11, 2020.
Alice Carey, prosecuting, told the court: "Police received information that a man named John, who drove a red Vauxhall Adam, was concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
"They duly stopped such a car on Common Green, Strathaven, and noticed a strong smell of cannabis inside the vehicle.
"The accused Nolan was detained for a search and told the officers he had nothing with him, but there were drugs in his home.
"A search warrant was obtained for the house and 42g of cocaine, with an approximate street value of £1680, was found.
"Officers also recovered 260g of cannabis. Nolan told them he sold 1g of cannabis for £12.50, making the total worth £3250."
Defence agent Tom Watters said Nolan, who has no previous convictions, had complied with bail conditions since being released in 2020.
Mr Watters added: "The criminal justice social work report is helpful.
"He's prepared to undertake whatever non-custodial sentence the court imposes."
Passing sentence, Sheriff Ray Small told Nolan: "It would be difficult for me to justify custody when you are a first offender and there are alternatives available."
As well as putting him under supervision, the sheriff imposed a 110-day electronic tagging order that prevents Nolan leaving home between 7pm and 7am.
He warned the accused: "If you breach either of these orders and are brought back before me, you could still face prison."
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