A Paisley man who sold cocaine to two young teenagers has been given jail time.
But due to the length of time Kieran Robertson has spent on remand, he is allowed to return home.
A jury found Robertson, 23, guilty of supplying cocaine, a Class A drug, to youngsters aged 15 and 16 years old on July 10 and 11 last year at a flat in Neilston’s Glen Finlet Crescent and at a flat in Thornliebank.
Defence solicitor Terry Gallanagh told Paisley Sheriff Court that Robertson, who appeared in the dock from custody, “accepts full responsibility for his actions but he did not know the age of the complainers when the drugs were provided”.
Mr Gallanagh added: “He has been in custody since July 14 last year which is the equivalent of a sentence of approximately 29 months.
“And this time in custody has been particularly traumatic.
“He is Type 1 diabetic and at times in custody he was not provided with the appropriate medication.
“He is now provided with the appropriate medication and he has refrained from intoxication while in custody and he wants to maintain that.”
The court was also told by fiscal depute John Penman that Robertson was found in possession of a metal pole in March 2020.
Mr Penman explained: “Around 5am on Friday, March 27, 2020, civilian witnesses observed the accused outside a property on Paisley’s Neilston Road wearing a balaclava and brandishing a metal curtain pole above his head.
“He was running towards passing vehicles and the witnesses approached him to reason with him.
“One witness grabbed the pole and brought the accused to the ground and police were contacted.
“He was arrested and held in custody to appear at this court on the Monday.”
Mr Gallanagh told how at this time, Robertson had been given responsibility to look after his gran’s dog.
He explained: “He took the dog to a friend’s house and drink and drugs were taken. Paranoia kicked in, words were exchanged and he was of the view he was going to be robbed of his gran’s dog.
“He left the property and took hold of this item, and by that, I mean the matter arose out of circumstances and this was not a matter that was planned.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Tom McCartney said: “You were concerned in the supply of a Class A drug to two young people, one of whom was only 15 years old and that’s a very serious matter.
“My assessment is that there is no alternative than a sentence of imprisonment.”
Robertson was sentenced to two years and three months backdated to his date of remand of July 14, 2021.
Regarding the metal pole, Sheriff McCartney placed Robertson under supervision of the social work department for 12 months stating: “It is clear this is a pivotal moment in your life.
“I’ve came to the conclusion I could impose a relatively short sentence for this offence, but I think it is better to deal with this with a direct alternative.
“This is necessary and appropriate to try offer you support to address your offending behaviour because the reality is you’ve offended repeatedly in your young life.”
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