Drug-dealing female barber made £24,000 from life of crime

A “persistent, active and industrious” drug dealer serving time for transporting large quantities of class A drugs made more than £24,000 from her life of crime, a court has heard.

Pamela Paterson, 46, was involved in supplying large quantities of cocaine and amphetamine between her home town of Elgin and Glasgow between July 2022 and March 23, 2023.

The self-employed barber was arrested after police discovered her role in the illegal trade.

Judge Michael O’Grady KC heard how officers assessed how the drugs in Paterson’s possession could have netted anywhere between £71,000 and £103,000 on the open market.

Police also recovered £21,000 of cash, which prosecutors believed was the proceeds of drug deals.

Paterson, of Elgin, pled guilty to two charges of being involved in supplying cocaine last year.

Judge Michael O’Grady KC handed her a five-year term. On Monday, Paterson returned to the High Court in Edinburgh to face proceedings brought under proceeds of crime legislation.

Prosecutors and defence lawyers told Judge Lady Hood that they agreed that Paterson made a total of £24,020 from her criminal activities.

They also agreed that the sum should be handed over to bring the matter to an end.

At earlier proceedings, Judge O’Grady jailed Paterson after hearing how being sent to prison would impact the relationship she has with her children.

Judge O’Grady added: “It is advanced on your behalf that you were not a major figure in this operation.

“But if you were not a major figure, you were a persistent, active and industrious one who made a not insignificant contribution to it and was clearly trusted by others to do so.

“It is often said in these courts – and it is always true – that all those who participate at whatever level in the supply of drugs form a vital part of that pernicious chain and must expect to be sentenced accordingly.

“I have listened carefully to all that has been said on your behalf and have had regarding to what appears in the background report.

“I accept that you have no criminal record of significance and have never before served a sentence of imprisonment.

“I also understand that any such sentence will have unfortunate consequences for your children.

“But of course, many people have children whose lives are blighted and indeed all too often ended by people like you who sell them drugs.”

Earlier in the hearing, defence solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin told judge O’Grady that Paterson became involved in the drugs trade after accumulating debts.

He added: “The only financial advantage to which she benefited from was working off the debts to which she had accumulated with others.

“She was prevailed upon to become involved in the drugs trade after she was unable to pay off these debts.”

Mr Gilmartin also told the courts that his client had mental health issues.

He added: “She suffers from depression and anxiety and she is medicated for this.”

On Monday, both prosecutor Bryan Heaney and Mr Gilmartin addressed the court to tell Lady Hood that the proceeds of crime action had been settled.