Former Mr Scotland bodybuilder jailed for serious drugs offences

A former Mr Scotland bodybuilder has been jailed for seven years for his part in a lucrative drug trafficking operation in Glasgow.

John Barry McDuff was caught after authorities broke into the EncroChat phone network, used by many criminals.

In the chats another dealer boasted to 40-year-old McDuff that they had "the biggest network in Glasgow".

McDuff admitted to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime.

McDuff was once described as a "hero figure"

He was previously crowned Mr Scotland in 2012 after winning the 90kg category at the National Amateur Bodybuilding Championships.

But, McDuff - once described as a "hero figure" - was jailed for three years in 2015 for drugs charges.

His latest offences spanned between March and June 2020.

Judge Lord Arthurson told him on Thursday: "You have taken considerable steps while on remand to rehabilitate yourself and give insight on the damage of these drugs on people and communities.

"However, it is plain that a custodial sentence is appropriate.

"You were directly involved in the furtherance of serious organised crime and operations featuring substantial class A drugs over several months."

The High Court in Glasgow earlier heard McDuff used handles such as "BIggie-Gla" on EncroChat.

Prosecutor Adrian Stalker said: "The totality of the conversations confirm that McDuff - acting with others - was involved in serious organised crime."

He initially had chats with an associate using the nickname "glasgowceltic" discussing consignments of cocaine and heroin.

Images of drugs were shared on encrypted chat

The individual known as "glasgowceltic" sent a photo of two blocks of drugs with a blue crocodile sticker on each.

There was a further discussion with another criminal about McDuff expecting a delivery of 60kg of cannabis.

Frances Connor, defending, told the sentencing: "While he thought it was benign steroid supply to others who were interested, he was asked to supply other drugs, particularly cocaine.

"Due to the people he was supplying to - other body builders who appeared healthy - he said he didn't really give it much thought.

"He was asked to do something and put under pressure to do more and he said he did that.

"He is no longer interested in body building or steroids and is working in prison to persuade other young prisoners not to take drugs or get involved in steroids which he no longer thinks is benign."

Deputy Procurator Fiscal hopes conviction "sends a message"

Reacting to the sentencing, Sineidin Corrins, Deputy Procurator Fiscal for serious casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “I hope that this conviction and sentence sends a strong message to others involved in this kind of criminal behaviour and demonstrates the ability of police and prosecutors to investigate, prepare and prosecute serious and organised crime of this nature.

“The Crown will continue working with the police and other agencies as a member of Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce to ensure that these crimes are detected and those responsible prosecuted using all measures at our disposal.”

“This man is now serving a prison sentence thanks to an extensive police operation, working with COPFS, to investigate a network of drug supply.

“With each case of this kind we can help reduce the harm that these drugs inflict on Scotland’s communities.”

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.