An East Kilbride man caught with cocaine worth £7000 narrowly avoided a jail sentence this week.
Anthony Penman got involved in the drug scene in order to "get out of a financial hole", his lawyer told Hamilton Sheriff Court.
The 30-year-old admitted being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug at his then home in Main Street on September 20, 2020.
Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said police officers armed with a search warrant went to the property and were met by the accused.
Items seized included digital scales, mixing bowls, spoons and a drug dealer's tick list.
Ms Mathieson added: "Officers also recovered a tub containing 194g of white powder.
"Analysis showed it contained not less than one per cent cocaine, but there was also a mixing agent present.
"Police experts said the quality was poor, but it was still valued at between £7000 and £7600."
Penman, now of Whitehills Place, East Kilbride, has no previous convictions.
Defence agent Ian Scott said he has a job and a stable relationship.
The lawyer added: "Given his previous good conduct and the fact that this was an isolated incident, I would suggest a community-based sentence could be imposed."
Sheriff Colin Dunipace told Penman: "While the amount of cocaine was significant, it wasn't the highest.
"You have no previous convictions and have a good job, and I'm told you have learned your lesson and no longer take drugs.
"Having regard to all these factors, I'm just satisfied that custody is not necessary in this case."
Penman was given a year to carry out 300 hours of unpaid community work.
He will be electronically tagged for nine months, meaning he's confined to his home between 9pm and 6am each day.
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