Jail term for electrician who blamed financial troubles during pandemic for drug dealing

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An electrician claimed he turned to drug dealing after running into money troubles during the Covid-19 pandemic.John Kennedy's explanation didn't impress a sheriff who jailed him for 14 months.Kennedy, 39, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis at his home in May Gardens, Wishaw, and elsewhere.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that his dealing was uncovered on January 14 last year.Defence solicitor Matthew McGovern said dad-of-two Kennedy was "realistic" about his situation but suggested an electronic tag could be imposed rather than jail.Mr McGovern stated: "He had financial difficulties during the pandemic but, of course, others did too and didn't get involved in drug dealing."He's in full time employment.

There is a positive criminal justice social work report and a relatively limited record."Custody would have an impact on his family so I'd ask the court to consider a restriction of liberty order as an alternative."However, Sheriff Linda Nicolson was told that Kennedy is already on a community payback order for similar drug offending.She told him: "Only a custodial sentence is appropriate." *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire.

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