Glasgow man caught with £1,000 of cocaine told police it was for birthday party

A man caught with £1,000 of cocaine told police it was for personal use at a birthday party.

Steven McKinlay’s home was raided in Glasgow’s Garthamlock on July 9, 2021.

The 43-year-old kept the drugs in small wraps inside a shopping bag as well as a tobacco tin.

He claimed that the 62 grams of cocaine was for himself, his partner and friends for the upcoming celebration.

McKinlay pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to possession of the drug with intent to supply to another or others.

The court heard that when officers entered the property McKinlay said: “It’s in the cupboard in my room, it’s for a birthday party, I split it into bags, it’s between three of us.”

A shopping bag was recovered which contained the two large polythene wraps with further smaller wraps inside.

This contained white powder later tested and found to be cocaine.

A pair of scissors and scales as well as a mobile phone was also inside the shopping bag.

Inside a tobacco tin found elsewhere in the property were three wraps containing white powder.

Prosecutor Redmond Harris said: “The total weight of the drugs was 62 grams and the value of the drugs recovered is approximately £1,000.”

Linda Findlay, defending, told the court that the drugs were for “recreational” use between McKinlay, his partner and two other couples.

The lawyer added: “He works full time through an agency and has three children.

“He accepts responsibility for the offence and he is described as being embarrassed by his conduct as it has had an effect on his family and relationship.

“He is angry at himself for putting himself in this situation.”

It was revealed that McKinlay has a previous conviction for drug dealing.

Sheriff Michael Hanlon ordered McKinlay to do 135 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision for 18 months.

He was also tagged for 13 weeks keeping him indoors between 8pm and 7am.