A drug dealer has been jailed after being found with £350 worth of heroin in his car and over £500 in cash in the sun visor.
William Fulton, who has a previous conviction for drug offences, had his Ford Focus raided by cops when they saw him picking up his pal to carry out a drug deal.
Anthony Crichton got into Fulton’s car before cops raided it and then Crichton’s Glen Street home on July 1 where they found drug paraphernalia.
Both men appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court from Low Moss Prison in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, where they have been remanded since July.
Fulton admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin, known as diamorphine, a Class A drug in Paisley’s Glen Street.
Crichton admitted to being in possession of the same drug on the same date, while subject to two bail orders.
Prosecutor Edwin Sheeran told the court police officers attended at Crichton’s Glen Street flat with a search warrant on July 1, this year.
Mr Sheeran explained: “On arrival in Glen Street, around 7.45am, officers observed Crichton leave his home and enter the front passenger seat of a Ford Focus.
“Police approached the vehicle and identified themselves. Fulton was in the driver’s seat and Crichton in the passenger seat.
“As a result of observations, both were detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
“Fulton stated there was half an ounce in the driver door and as a result, the vehicle was searched and 14.47g of brown powder was seized from the driver door pocket.
“£505 in mixed notes was recovered from the driver side sun visor and both males were arrested.”
Court heard a search of Crichton’s property was then carried out with “numerous items” seized including a polythene bag containing brown powder, a quantity of tinfoil and digital scales.
Mr Sheeran continued: “Both men were interviewed making no comment interviews. The brown powder in Crichton’s property weighed 0.13g.
“The brown powder from the vehicle was analysed and was found to contain diamorphine, paracetamol and caffeine.
“Specialist officers stated the 14.47g is a recognised deal of a half ounce and has a value of £350.
“The closest recognised deal from Crichton’s powder is known locally as a tenner bag and is usually 0.2g.”
Regarding Fulton, the crown made a motion for a Proceeds of Crime confiscation order.
Fulton’s defence agent Mr McGuire told the court the 45-year-old suffered “health issues” and that he turned to drugs when his mother became unwell.
Mr McGuire explained: “His mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in May last year and he started using heroin and other substances in a bid to cope and it turned into a downward spiral.
“His mother died in March this year which resulted in a further descent. Some of that half ounce was for personal use to fund his own habit.”
Crichton’s defence solicitor Terry Gallanagh asked for the 42-year-old to be admonished for this matter.
Mr Gallanagh explained: “Mr Crichton has spent the equivalent of a 262-day prison sentence while in remand for the equivalent of a tenner bag of heroin.
“I ask the court takes the view that more than exhausts the punitive element here for a Section 52.”
Sentencing Fulton, Sheriff Bruce Erroch KC said: “Given your record and the nature of the offence, there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”
Fulton was jailed for 20 months reduced to 15 months to reflect his early plea.
His sentence was backdated to his date of remand on July 28. A Proceeds of Crime hearing was assigned for December 22.
Sheriff Erroch KC admonished Crichton stating: “It is a serious matter to possess drugs but I take into account it was a relatively small quantity and I take into account the time you have served in remand.”
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here
