Bonhill drug dealer jailed for nearly 9 years
Last updated 10th Oct 2017
A drug dealer who tried to extort thousands of pounds from the families of two customers who he claimed owed him money has been jailed for eight and a half years.
Kevin Power,35, intimidated his victims whilst working as a drug dealer in Bonhill, West Dunbartonshire,.
The High Court in Glasgow heard how the gangster attempted to obtain £1,500 from the mother of one client and £1,700 from another customer's family between January and March 2017.
Power put his first victim's mum in a state of fear and alarm by phoning her and demand £1,500 in cash and threaten to go to her door if the cash was not paid.
He also threatened members of the other family. He told them that their homes would be damaged and they would suffer violence if they did not pay up.
Power, of Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, was found guilty last month on attempted extortion, assault and drug possession charges.
On Tuesday, Power, a prisoner of HMP Barlinnie, appeared for sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Passing sentence, judge Tom Hughes QC also ordered Power to be supervised for 18 months following his release from custody.
He added: "You participated in the evil drugs trade - a trade which we all have to suffer in Scotland. "You caused severe distress and concern to these families.
"You brought misery and suffering to people who lost their jobs due to their addiction.
"Those who undertake these activities and who appear before this court can only expect severe punishment - a custodial sentence is inevitable."
At the end of proceedings last month, Power was also found guilty of being concerned in the supply of heroin in Bonhill between December 25, last year, and March 6.
He was also convict of assaulting his first victim in O'Hare, Bonhill, on January 31 and his second victim on February 27, in O'Hare, Bonhill. On both occasions Power demanded money from his victims.
On Tuesday, defence solicitor advocate Neil Allan told judge Hughes that his client had gone "off the rails" earlier in life. Mr Allan said his client's partner had lost a baby.
Mr Allan also said that his client wanted to turn over a new leaf.
He added: "He shows a significant degree of insight. He now finds himself at a turning point in his life."
Power showed no emotion as he was being led to the cells to begin his sentence.