A court ordered three drug dealers to pay nearly £4,000 in compensation to a drug detection charity after they admitted supply offences. The unusual sentencing highlights a growing trend of courts directing funds towards organisations working to combat substance harm.

James Atkinson, Paul William Newlands and a teenager appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court for sentencing. All three had previously admitted drug supply charges. Sheriff Ian Cruickshank handed down compensation orders alongside supervision and unpaid work as alternatives to prison.

The sheriff noted a significant shift in sentencing approach. Had these offences occurred years earlier, the case would have been dealt with at the High Court. It would have brought “lengthy” jail time for the accused.

The Drug Dealing Operation

The drug dealers’ compensation case centres on offences committed between March and May 2024. Atkinson, 22, from Walls, admitted supplying cocaine. He also pleaded guilty to driving without MoT or insurance.

Police discovered the trio in Atkinson’s car on 12 May 2024. Officers found £3,780 in cash hidden in a space underneath the steering wheel. Of this sum, £3,000 was attributed to Atkinson. The remainder belonged to the other two defendants.

Newlands, 22, from Lerwick, admitted supplying herbal cannabis, cannabis resin and cocaine. The teenager admitted to supplying cocaine and ecstasy.

Evidence and Scale of Operation

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie outlined the quantities recovered. Police seized 5.29g of cannabis resin worth £15 from the vehicle. The value of herbal cannabis was estimated between £600 and £900.

Officers also recovered 12.91g of cocaine with an estimated value between £1,120 and £1,210.

Cyber crime analysis revealed “significant” finds on all three accused’s phones. Messages boasted about their ability to provide “as many bags” of drugs as customers wanted. This demonstrated the commercial nature of their operation.

Other messages between the teenager and Newlands showed concern about lost ecstasy tablets. One accused suggested checking Atkinson’s car for them. However, no ecstasy tablets were found in their possession at arrest.

Sentencing Decision

Defence agents Gregor Kelly, Neil McRoberts and Tommy Allan said their clients took responsibility for their actions. McRoberts told the court his teenage client had been “scared” at the prospect of jail. The youth would accept any offer of community payback.

Sheriff Cruickshank said he would take a “liberal” interpretation of the law. He ordered each defendant to pay drug dealers compensation to Dogs Against Drugs charity. The sheriff considered that each had potential to contribute positively to the community.

Atkinson received an admonishment for his motoring offence. He was ordered to pay £1,500 compensation to the drug detection charity. The court also placed him under supervision for 18 months and ordered 225 hours of unpaid work.

Newlands faced identical penalties. He must pay £1,500 compensation, complete 18 months supervision and carry out 225 hours of unpaid work.

The teenager received a reduced drug dealers compensation order of £750 to Dogs Against Drugs. He also faces 18 months supervision and 225 hours of unpaid work.

Dogs Against Drugs

The charity receiving the compensation plays a crucial role in drug detection. Dogs Against Drugs uses specially trained detection dogs including Bravo, Oscar and Axel. These animals help identify illegal substances in various settings.

The organisation works to prevent drug harm across communities. By ordering compensation to this charity, the court directly funds efforts to combat the very problem these dealers contributed to.

This approach represents a form of restorative justice. Rather than simply punishing offenders, it channels resources towards addressing the damage caused by drug supply.

A Changing Approach

The case demonstrates evolving attitudes in drug sentencing. While the offences were serious enough to warrant High Court proceedings in the past, modern sentencing considers rehabilitation potential.

Community payback orders allow offenders to remain integrated in society whilst making amends. The supervision element provides ongoing support to prevent reoffending.

The substantial unpaid work hours mean each defendant will contribute hundreds of hours to their community. Combined with the financial compensation, this represents a significant consequence for their actions.

However, the sheriff’s comments about previous sentencing practices serve as a reminder. These were serious offences that warranted substantial penalties.

Impact on Community

Drug supply operations cause widespread harm beyond those who use substances. Families suffer when loved ones develop dependencies. Communities face increased crime and antisocial behaviour linked to drug markets.

By disrupting this supply chain and imposing meaningful penalties, the court sends a clear message. Authorities will not tolerate drug dealing, even when the offenders are young or committing the offence for the first time.

The £4,000 in drug dealers compensation will directly support Dogs Against Drugs’ work. This funding helps the charity continue its detection and prevention efforts across the region.

Source: dbrecoveryresources