Grantown man avoids prison for his part in drug dealing operation in 2021

Police pursued a car on suspicion it was involved in drug dealing and when it slowed down at a junction, a 17 year old youth jumped out of it carrying a black holdall which was later found to contain narcotics and cannabis.

The chase began in Inverness on June 2, 2021, and three men were inside with 55 year old Mark Allsopp of Church Street, Nairn at the wheel.

He failed to stop when required to do so by police and one officer gave chase to Jordan Hughes, who is now aged 21.

Hughes of Cautley Close, Forres was caught shortly after while the police car continued to track Allsopp and his other passenger, 27 year old Darren Stewart of Beachen Court, Grantown.

Allsopp's vehicle was eventually stopped and drugs and other paraphernalia was found in Hughes' holdall and the belongings of the other two.

A further search of homes revealed cash and more drugs.

The court heard that in total cannabis and cocaine with an estimated maximum street value of £30,600 was recovered.

Hughes, who is currently serving a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence, was jailed for 20 months after admitting being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine.

His lawyer, Graham Mann conceded it was the only realistic option open to the court in view of his client's current incarceration.

Darren Stewart pleaded guilty to similar offences and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

His solicitor advocate, Clare Russell said: "He was 23 at the time of these offences. But his partner has been a positive influence on his life and there has been a change in him.

"He has distanced himself from a negative peer group, and has been abstinent from both alcohol and cannabis which he used from a young age.

“This catapulted him into debt and he got involved in this to pay off that debt."

Sheriff Gary Aitken told Stewart: "To your credit, you have taken significant steps to sort your life out. Nevertheless this was serious criminality."

Alsopp was previously dealt with and fined for simple possession of cannabis.