Two pensioners jailed after £25,000 drugs bust in Glasgow
The pair were caught with cocaine and more than £50,000 in cash in the Baillieston area in 2019
Two pensioners caught with nearly £25,000 worth of cocaine in Glasgow are behind bars.
Helen Wright and Moira Robertson were also found with over £50,000 in cash at a house in the Baillieston area in June 2019.
Grandmother Wright carried out the crime to pay off her son’s drug debt, and recruited her friend Robertson to help.
Both pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Wright, 67 was jailed for 20 months while first-time offender Robertson, 65, received 18 months
Judge tells pair it is a matter of great regret - but no alternative to prison
Sheriff Matthew Jackson QC said: “Miss Wright - you committed this to settle someone else’s debt.
“On the day you committed the crime you appeared at Miss Robertson’s house with more cocaine.
“It is a matter of great regret that I cannot find exceptional circumstances here and you have crossed the custody threshold.”
Addressing Robertson, the sheriff said: "You carried out this crime for no financial gain to help out your so called friend.
“You said you did not know how much drugs would be involved and did not know there would be a significant amount of cash deposited.
“You stated you knew this was happening a week before and you knowingly used your home to store drugs and paraphernalia."
Thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash seized
An earlier hearing was told Robertson's home was raided by police around after a warrant was granted.
Prosecutor Mark Allan said: "Officers recovered £51,000 in cash from Robertson.
"A further 533 grams of cocaine was found which police stated was worth £13,800 wholesale with a street value of £21,780.
"Polythene bags and scales were also recovered.
"During the search, Wright turned up at Robertson's door.
"She was found with 15 polythene bags containing white powder with the value of £2,800."
The pair, both still of Baillieston, were arrested and made no reply to caution and charge.
Court hears Wright wanted to clear son's drug debt
Stephen Bentley, defending Wright, told the court: “She became involved to repay a drug debt that her son accrued.
“Her last previous offence was analogous and 12 years ago.
“She takes full responsibility for involvement and her actions.”
Paul Sutherland, defending Wright said: “She is very apologetic regarding this matter.
“She received no financial incentive for her involvement but her savings have been seized as a result of the proceeds of crime matter.”
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